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 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. Minor natural imperfections can occur. These often recover in your garden. These plants are vigorous and long-lasting. They are shipped directly from our partner growers.
At a Glance
- Type: outdoor garden plant
- Height: approx. 10-25 cm
- Light: full sun
- Care: easy — low maintenance, drought-tolerant
- Delivery: free delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries (5–8 working days), covered by our healthy-arrival guarantee
- Sun or shade
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 m
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 m
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowers
- Summer
- Fragrance
- Foliage
- Time to maturity
- 2-5 years
- Aspect
- South, West, East
- Hardiness (RHS)
- H6 (to about -15 °C)
Sources: RHS Plant Finder
Ranges come from the RHS Plant Finder and PFAF. They show what each plant tolerates; local conditions vary.
Free delivery, always — on every order across Ireland and the EU 🌿
Typical Delivery Times
Ireland and all EU destinations — 5–8 working days
Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on local conditions.
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