Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'
salvia
Selected by the renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf as one of his favourites, Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is a wonderfully beneficial, insect-friendly plant. The softly hairy leaves are quite a dark green, while the upright, branching flowerspikes carry reddish-purple stems and flowers throughout summer - the combination of which creates a rich hue that is perfect for 'bruised' colour schemes.
This spreading plant is easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers a spot in full sun.
This spreading plant is easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers a spot in full sun.
How to care for Salvia verticillata Purple Rain:
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:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
was £9.99
now £7.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
3 × 9cm pots
was £23.99
now £19.19
£6.40 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
2 litre pot
was £17.99
now £14.39
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
3 × 2 litre pots
was £42.99
now £34.39
£11.46 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
