Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' – 'Caradonna' Meadow Sage

'Caradonna' Sage is a star perennial, prized by garden designers worldwide for its elegance and intense colour. This variety's main benefit is its unique structure: it displays flower stems so dark purple they are almost black, creating a striking contrast with its violet-blue flower spikes. It is an architectural plant that brings a touch of drama and refinement to borders, all while being bewilderingly easy to grow.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It forms a basal clump of deciduous, grey-green leaves with a slightly rough texture, which are very aromatic when crushed.
• Flowering: From early to late summer, a multitude of straight, dark stems rise above the foliage. They carry long spikes of small, intense violet-blue flowers. The stems and calyces (the small cup that holds the flower) are a purplish-black, which extends the colour interest even after the petals have fallen.
• Light: It demands full sun for abundant flowering and a strong, upright habit.
• Habit: It forms a mounded clump of foliage from which flower stems with a very upright, vertical habit emerge.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height of 60 to 75 cm (24-30 inches) in bloom, with a spread of 45 to 60 cm (18-24 inches).
• Soil: It thrives in average to poor soil, as long as the drainage is excellent. It does not tolerate heavy, wet soils in winter.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, it faces Zone 3 winters without any problem.
• Resistance: This robust plant admirably resists White-tailed deer and rabbits.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its vertical structure makes it a perfect choice to add rhythm and height to beds and borders. It is spectacular in mass plantings.
• Ornamental Features: The contrast between the black stems and violet flowers is its main attraction. It offers a long season of colour and attracts a host of pollinators.

Care

• Watering: Water at planting to establish it well. Afterwards, it is very drought tolerant.
• Fertilizing: No fertilization is necessary. It flowers better in soil that is not too rich.
• Pruning: After the first major wave of flowering (around mid-July), cut back all the faded flower stems severely to the basal foliage. This encourages a new bloom in late summer and fall.
• Planting: Plant it in the spring or fall in a very sunny location with impeccable drainage.
• Winter Protection: No protection is required. Simply ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.