SALVIA nem. Blue Marvel

Overview of Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Marvel'

Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Marvel' is a compact, hardy perennial celebrated for its large, intense violet-blue flower spikes and its long flowering period. A cultivar of Salvia nemorosa, this plant offers one of the largest blooms of any variety in the species and maintains a neat, clumping habit.

Growing to just 25–30 cm in height and 30–40 cm in spread, ‘Blue Marvel’ is ideal for small gardens, borders, containers, and edging. It is drought-tolerant once established and an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the summer months.

Sunlight, Temperature & Positioning

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily).

  • Will tolerate partial sun, though flowering may be reduced.

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and RHS Hardiness H7.

  • Can withstand winter frosts and freezing temperatures without special protection.

• Best Uses & Placement:

  • Ideal for the front of borders, raised beds, rock gardens, and cottage-style plantings.

  • Perfect for small-space gardens and containers due to its compact size.

  • Works beautifully when planted en masse or in groupings with other perennials.

Soil, Watering & Feeding

• Soil Conditions:

  • Prefers well-drained soil that is moderately fertile.

  • Adapts well to sandy, loamy, or gritty soils.

  • Avoid planting in poorly drained or heavy clay soil.

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment, especially in dry spells.

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering.

  • Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

• Fertiliser Use:

  • Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth over flowers.

  • In containers, feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks during active growth.

Flowering, Pruning & General Maintenance

• Bloom Period:

  • Flowers from late spring through early autumn, often with a second flush in late summer.

  • Dense flower spikes rise above a mound of aromatic foliage.

• Deadheading & Cutting Back:

  • Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming and extend the flowering season.

  • After the first flush, cut back the entire plant by one-third to rejuvenate and encourage compact regrowth.

• Pruning Schedule:

  • In early spring, cut back to just above the crown when new growth appears.

  • Avoid cutting in autumn as the old stems help protect the crown in winter.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a thin mulch of compost or fine bark in spring to improve soil health and moisture retention.

Propagation, Pests & Companion Planting

• Propagation:

  • Best propagated by division in early spring or after flowering in autumn.

  • Can also be propagated from basal cuttings taken in spring.

  • Not typically grown from seed, as named cultivars may not come true.

• Pests & Diseases:

  • Highly resistant to most pests and diseases.

  • Occasionally affected by mildew or leaf spot if overcrowded—ensure proper spacing.

  • Drought and deer resistant once established.

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with coreopsis, echinacea, geranium, gaura, and nepeta.

  • Combines beautifully with silver or grey foliage like stachys and artemisia.

  • Provides contrast against ornamental grasses and broader-leafed perennials.

Container Growing & Design Applications

• Container Suitability:

  • Excellent choice for pots and patio planters due to compact size.

  • Use a loam-based compost with added grit or sand for drainage.

  • Ensure pots have sufficient drainage holes to prevent standing water.

• Design Ideas:

  • Ideal for creating low-maintenance planting schemes with long-lasting colour.

  • Effective in formal, modern, and naturalistic gardens alike.

  • Repeats well in borders for rhythm and mass impact

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.