• Salvia nemorosa &
  • Salvia nemorosa &
1 3

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Woodland sage

Upright spikes of violet-blue flowers on near-black stems make Salvia 'Caradonna' an elegant, pollinator-friendly perennial that brings strong vertical structure to a sunny border.

Supplied as an established plant in a 2 litre pot

Order today, delivered within 5 working daysPlants are packed upright in plastic-free, recyclable boxes
Free delivery on orders over £75Standard delivery £5.99 below £75
Grown by trusted UK & Dutch nurseriesHand-checked before every dispatch
Healthy-plant promiseIf it arrives unhappy, we replace it, no fuss
Salvia nemorosa &
Salvia nemorosa &

Aspect

full sun

Hardiness

Fully hardy in most parts of the UK

Flowers

Summer

Soil

Loam, chalk, sandy soil

About this plant

Violet spires on inky black stems

  • Description

    Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a compact, clump-forming perennial famed for its slender, upright spikes of violet-blue flowers held on distinctive near-black stems. Rising above a neat mound of aromatic, grey-green foliage from early summer, the flowers create strong vertical lines and saturated colour, while the dark stems and calyces carry the interest on even after the petals fall. Elegant, easy and pollinator-friendly, it is a favourite for sunny borders, gravel and prairie-style planting.

  • Why we like it

    “

    'Caradonna' looks as though a designer placed it on purpose. The dark, upright stems and glowing violet-blue spires bring instant structure and rhythm to a border, the flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and the aromatic foliage is a bonus by a path or seat. It is tough, drought-tolerant once established, fully hardy and easy, repeating into autumn with a little deadheading. Superb with roses, achillea, grasses and nepeta.

Specs & details

The particulars

Botanical name
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
Common name
Woodland sage
Supplied as
2 litre pot
Flower colour
Purple
Eventual height
50-60cm
Eventual spread
30-45cm
Flowering period
Summer
Habit
Clump-forming upright perennial
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness
Fully hardy in most parts of the UK
Aspect
full sun
Soil type
Loam, chalk, sandy soil
Moisture
Moist but well-drained
Position
Mid-border, gravel garden, patio containers
Plant spacing
Space around 35cm apart (approximately 7 plants per m²)
Growing skill
Easy to grow

Plant calendar

When to plant, when it performs

 
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Planting
Flowering

Plant in spring or autumn. Flowers from early summer, repeating into autumn if the spent spikes are cut back after the first flush.

Planting & care

Help it thrive

Planting guide

Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny, well-drained spot. Improve heavy soils with grit or organic matter before planting. Deadhead faded flower spikes regularly to encourage repeat blooms throughout the season.

Care tips

Water during prolonged dry spells in the first growing season. Trim spent flower spikes after flowering to promote fresh blooms. Divide congested clumps every few years in spring.

Winter care

Leave stems in place over winter for added structure and wildlife value, then cut back in early spring. Apply a light mulch around the base in colder areas, avoiding waterlogged conditions.