Salvia Tropicolour Claret ('Tropdwn24') (PBR) (Tropicolour Series)
sage
Deep tones bring a rich, sumptuous feel to summer planting, and this cultivated variety leans right into lush burgundy that holds and doesn’t wash out in strong sun.
There’s a nice balance here with upright flowering stems carry those dark claret blooms clearly above a compact, leafy base, so everything feels structured without being stiff. The contrast between flower and calyx keeps things visually interesting for longer, rather than fading into the background after the first flush. With Salvia 'Tropicolour Claret', you get that depth of colour from early summer right through into autumn.
It’s an easy one to place too. Tuck it into a sunny border, mix it through lighter planting for contrast, or use it in containers where the darker tones can really stand out. Once settled, it handles dry spells well and just needs the occasional tidy to keep the flowers coming.
There’s a nice balance here with upright flowering stems carry those dark claret blooms clearly above a compact, leafy base, so everything feels structured without being stiff. The contrast between flower and calyx keeps things visually interesting for longer, rather than fading into the background after the first flush. With Salvia 'Tropicolour Claret', you get that depth of colour from early summer right through into autumn.
It’s an easy one to place too. Tuck it into a sunny border, mix it through lighter planting for contrast, or use it in containers where the darker tones can really stand out. Once settled, it handles dry spells well and just needs the occasional tidy to keep the flowers coming.
How to care for Salvia Tropicolour Claret ('Tropdwn24') (Tropicolour Series):
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.7m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
