Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Award-Winning Perennial with Deep Purple Blooms
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a striking perennial known for its deep purple flower spikes and nearly black stems. This award-winning cultivar, recognized with the RHS Award of Garden Merit, produces vertical spikes of rich violet-blue flowers from June to September, creating a dramatic display in sunny borders and cottage gardens.
Key Features
- Flower Color: Deep purple to violet-blue flower spikes on distinctive purple-black stems
- Bloom Period: June to September with potential for rebloom if deadheaded
- Height: Grows 10-25cm at delivery, matures to 18-24 inches (45-60cm)
- Foliage: Gray-green aromatic leaves that form compact clumps
- Hardiness: Frost-hardy perennial suitable for zones 4-9
Growing Conditions
This Balkan clary thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established, 'Caradonna' performs best in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. The upright growth habit makes it ideal for perennial borders, where it provides strong vertical structure without flopping.
Wildlife Benefits
'Caradonna' is a magnet for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms throughout the summer months. The long flowering period ensures continuous pollinator support in wildlife gardens and butterfly gardens.
Planting & Care
Plant in groups or drifts for maximum impact. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in borders. Cut back spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom. After flowering concludes, trim plants to maintain compact growth. This low-maintenance perennial requires minimal care once established and is deer resistant.
Design Uses
Pairs beautifully with yellow-flowering perennials like Achillea, pink roses, or gray-leaved plants like Stachys. Works well in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and pollinator gardens. Suitable for container planting with adequate drainage.
Bulk Pack: This listing includes 48 plants supplied in 9cm recyclable growing pots, perfect for mass plantings or creating impactful garden displays.
Please note: Plants are living products and may therefore differ from the photo and description. We grow in a natural way and only intervene when necessary, which can sometimes cause the plant to show minor imperfections. These often recover in your garden. We guarantee that our plants are vigorous and long lasting. They are shipped directly from our nursery.
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Typical Delivery Times
- Austria — 1-5 days
- Belgium — 1-3 days
- Bulgaria — 1-9 days
- Croatia — 1-7 days
- Czechia — 1-6 days
- Denmark — 1-6 days
- Estonia — 1-7 days
- Finland — 1-8 days
- France — 1-4 days
- Germany — 1-4 days
- Greece — 1-10 days
- Hungary — 1-6 days
- Ireland — 1-5 days
- Italy — 1-6 days
- Latvia — 1-8 days
- Lithuania — 1-7 days
- Luxembourg — 1-4 days
- Netherlands — 1-3 days
- Poland — 1-5 days
- Portugal — 1-6 days
- Romania — 1-8 days
- Slovakia — 1-6 days
- Slovenia — 1-5 days
- Spain — 1-5 days
- Sweden — 1-7 days
Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on local conditions.