Salvia nem. 'Schneehugel'

Description and Characteristics

Salvia nemorosa 'Schneehügel', commonly referred to as 'Snow Hill', is a compact, hardy, clump-forming perennial admired for its elegant pure white flower spikes. A cultivar of Salvia nemorosa, this variety offers all the resilience and ease of care of the species, but with a softer, more refined colour palette, making it ideal for brightening borders, rock gardens, and formal plantings.

Reaching 30–45 cm in height and spreading to around 30 cm, 'Schneehügel' forms a tidy mound of aromatic grey-green foliage. The upright white flowers bloom from late spring to early autumn, especially if deadheaded regularly. Its understated beauty and nectar-rich blooms make it highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Clean, pure white flower spikes on dense stems

• Compact and upright with a tidy, clump-forming growth habit

• Bloom period from May to September with proper maintenance

• Aromatic foliage, deer and rabbit resistant

• Excellent pollinator plant and drought-tolerant once established

• Fully hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 / RHS H7

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

'Schneehügel' is a tough and adaptable perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. Its low-growing form makes it ideal for edging, paths, or front-of-border use, while also being container-friendly.

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering and compact form

  • Can tolerate very light shade, but performance and flowering may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Suitable for sandy, loamy, or gravel-based soils

  • Avoid wet, heavy, or waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter

• Watering Needs:

  • Water consistently during the first growing season to establish roots

  • Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant

  • Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot

• Feeding:

  • Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser

  • Avoid excessive feeding, which can cause weak, leafy growth

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming

  • After the first main flush, cut the plant back by one-third to refresh the foliage and stimulate rebloom

  • In early spring, cut all old stems back to the base to allow fresh growth to emerge

• Dividing:

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain health and vigour

  • Best done in early spring or autumn

Garden Design, Companions, and Problem Solving

Salvia nemorosa 'Schneehügel' is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its resilience and design versatility. It provides a bright counterpoint to darker or more vibrant flower colours and fits seamlessly into a variety of planting styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, gravel gardens, pollinator borders, and formal plantings

  • Strong impact when planted in groups or drifts

  • Excellent for edging along pathways or in raised beds

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with lavender, geranium, nepeta, echinacea, sedum, and ornamental grasses

  • Pairs well with blue, purple, or yellow-flowering perennials for contrast

  • Complements silver-leaved plants like artemisia and stachys

• Container Use:

  • Suitable for medium-sized containers with gritty, well-draining compost

  • Ensure pots have adequate drainage and avoid overwatering

• Wildlife Value:

  • Attracts bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

  • Aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Very low maintenance and rarely affected by pests or diseases

  • May develop mildew in humid, crowded settings—ensure spacing and airflow

  • Avoid wetting the foliage, especially in shady or cool conditions

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.