SALVIA nem.Dark Blue Marvel

Description and Characteristics

Salvia nemorosa 'Dark Blue Marvel' is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial known for its exceptionally large, deep violet-blue flower spikes and tidy growth habit. A newer selection in the Salvia nemorosa group, it’s a sister cultivar to 'Blue Marvel' and boasts some of the deepest blue flowers available in this series, offering rich colour and contrast in borders, containers, or mass plantings.

It grows to a modest height of 25–30 cm and spreads to 30–40 cm, making it an excellent choice for front-of-border use, low edging, or colourful container displays. The dense flower spikes appear from late spring through summer, with the possibility of reblooming into autumn if spent flowers are regularly removed. As with other salvias, 'Dark Blue Marvel' is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and pollinators, while also being resistant to deer and drought once established.

• Deep blue-violet flower spikes on short, sturdy stems

• Compact, mounding form suitable for small gardens and containers

• Blooming from May to September with proper maintenance

• Highly attractive to pollinators and resistant to deer

• Aromatic, grey-green foliage

• Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 / RHS H7 (fully frost hardy)

Planting, Growing Conditions, and Maintenance

‘Dark Blue Marvel’ is easy to grow and thrives with minimal care, provided it is grown in a sunny, well-drained position. Its compact size makes it ideal for edging or ground-level planting where its blooms can be fully appreciated.

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for optimal flower colour and structure

  • Will tolerate partial shade but with reduced blooming

• Soil Requirements:

  • Performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Adapts to sandy, loamy, or even gritty soils

  • Avoid planting in poorly drained or heavy clay soils, especially over winter

• Watering Routine:

  • Water regularly during establishment (first 4–6 weeks)

  • Once established, drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering

  • Water at the base and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

• Feeding and Fertilising:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • In containers or poor soils, supplement with a monthly liquid feed during flowering

  • Avoid overfeeding, which may result in leafy growth over flowers

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and encourage rebloom

  • After the first main flush, cut back flower stems by one-third to encourage a second round

  • In early spring, cut back all dead stems to the base just above new growth

• Mulching:

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds

  • Keep mulch clear of the crown to prevent rot

• Dividing:

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain plant health and flower quality

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Pest Resistance

Salvia 'Dark Blue Marvel' fits beautifully into many different garden styles, from traditional cottage schemes to modern, structured layouts. Its deep colour and uniform shape make it ideal for planting in multiples or as a colour accent.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for borders, raised beds, rock gardens, and containers

  • Ideal for low-maintenance gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces, and formal planting layouts

  • Pairs well in colour-themed schemes and layered perennial plantings

• Companion Plants:

  • Works well with coreopsis, achillea, lavender, geranium, gaura, and ornamental grasses

  • Great colour contrast with silver foliage (e.g., artemisia) or bright yellows and whites

  • Combines beautifully with taller salvias, echinacea, and nepeta

• Wildlife and Eco-Benefits:

  • Excellent for supporting bees and butterflies

  • Aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits

  • Drought-tolerant and suitable for sustainable garden designs

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and resistant to mildew under good conditions

  • May suffer from fungal issues if air circulation is poor—space plants accordingly

  • Avoid overhead watering to protect foliage from rot or mildew

• Container Tips:

  • Grows well in pots with free-draining, peat-free compost

  • Ideal for patios, balconies, and small garden spaces

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.