SALVIA nem. Caradonna

Overview and Distinct Features

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is an award-winning perennial renowned for its vibrant violet-blue flower spikes held on dramatic dark purple-black stems. This contrast gives it exceptional ornamental appeal throughout the summer months. With a naturally upright, clump-forming habit and long flowering season, it is a reliable favourite for both modern and traditional gardens.

Highly attractive to pollinators, drought-tolerant once established, and resistant to deer and rabbits, ‘Caradonna’ is a low-maintenance and high-impact plant for borders, containers, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Height: 45–60 cm

• Spread: 30–45 cm

• Flowers: Intense violet-blue blooms with dark calyxes

• Stems: Rich, dark purple (almost black) – a standout feature

• Foliage: Aromatic, grey-green, lance-shaped leaves

• Flowering period: May to September (prolonged with deadheading)

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming

• Hardiness: RHS H7 (hardy to -20°C and below)

• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit

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Planting and Site Preferences

Salvia 'Caradonna' is easy to grow and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. It is particularly well-suited to cottage gardens, prairie schemes, gravel gardens, and pollinator borders.

Light Requirements

• Performs best in full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Tolerates light shade but may flower less profusely

Soil Conditions

• Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil

• Grows well in chalky, sandy, or loamy conditions

• Avoid wet or heavy clay soil – may cause root rot in winter

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or early autumn for optimal establishment

• Space plants 30–40 cm apart to allow airflow

• Dig in compost or grit for improved drainage if needed

• Ideal for raised beds, borders, and sunny containers

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Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Once established, 'Caradonna' is very low maintenance and well-suited to dry gardens or mixed borders.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season

• Once mature, only water during extended dry periods

• Avoid overwatering and soggy soils

Feeding

• Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which may encourage leafy growth over flowers

Deadheading and Pruning

• Deadhead regularly to extend the blooming period into late summer

• After the first flush in mid-summer, cut back the plant by one-third to promote fresh growth and a second bloom

• In early spring, prune back all old stems to ground level to encourage new growth

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Design and Companion Planting

‘Caradonna’ offers strong vertical interest and a rich colour accent, making it a popular structural perennial in mixed plantings.

Best Uses

• Mid-border highlights or front-of-border edging

• Excellent in pollinator-friendly and Mediterranean-style gardens

• Ideal for cottage, prairie, and gravel gardens

• Suitable for large patio containers

Companion Plants

• Pairs beautifully with:

  • Achillea, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Nepeta, and Gaura

• Contrast with silver-foliaged plants such as Artemisia

• Looks great with ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima

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Seasonal Interest and Wildlife Value

• Pollinator-Friendly: Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

• Seasonal Colour: Provides strong early-to-late summer colour

• Winter Appeal: Calyxes and stems retain some structure into autumn

• Dried Flower Use: Calyxes and stems can be used in informal dried arrangements

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Additional Notes

• Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

• Deer & Rabbit Resistant: Highly aromatic foliage deters browsing

• Dividing: Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring to rejuvenate and maintain shape

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

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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