Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Description and Key Characteristics

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a standout cultivar of perennial sage, admired for its deep violet-purple flowers and striking dark purple-black stems, which provide a strong architectural element in garden borders. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to central Europe and western Asia. It is an outstanding performer in the landscape due to its upright form, prolonged bloom period, and excellent drought resistance.

Mature plants reach approximately 60–75 cm in height and 45 cm in spread, forming a dense, clumping habit with aromatic, textured grey-green foliage. Flowering typically begins in late spring and can continue well into late summer, especially with regular deadheading. It is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens.

• Deep violet-purple flower spikes with contrasting dark stems

• Upright and bushy growth habit

• Long flowering season from late spring to late summer

• Highly attractive to pollinators

• Deer and rabbit resistant

• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner

• Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 / RHS H7

Planting, Growing Conditions, and Maintenance

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is valued for its adaptability and ease of care. It thrives in sunny borders and poor soils where other perennials may struggle. Here are the essential cultural conditions and maintenance tips to ensure successful growth and sustained flowering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for optimal flowering and strong, upright growth

  • Will tolerate very light shade, but flowers may be fewer and stems weaker

• Soil Preferences:

  • Performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerant of sandy, stony, or poor soils

  • Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites to prevent root rot

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots

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

  • Avoid overwatering and soggy soil conditions

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring if soil is poor

  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can reduce flower production

• Mulching:

  • Light mulch in spring helps suppress weeds and retain moisture

  • Keep mulch clear of the crown to prevent rot

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Regular deadheading of faded flower spikes encourages rebloom

  • After the first flush, shear back the plant by one-third to rejuvenate and stimulate new flowers

  • In early spring, cut back all old stems to just above the new basal growth

• Dividing:

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour

  • Ideal time for division is after flowering or before new growth begins

Companion Planting, Design Uses, and Problems

With its bold colouring and upright form, 'Caradonna' is highly versatile in garden design and can be used in a variety of settings. It is also notably low-maintenance and resistant to many common garden pests and diseases.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, prairie-style plantings, and modern borders

  • Strong vertical lines make it perfect for repetition along borders

  • Pairs well with ornamental grasses, coreopsis, echinacea, rudbeckia, and achillea

  • Excellent in pollinator gardens and drought-tolerant planting schemes

• Container Use:

  • Suitable for large containers if given good drainage

  • Mix with other sun-loving, compact perennials for summer-long displays

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally experience mildew in humid or crowded conditions

  • Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

  • Not typically grazed by deer or rabbits due to aromatic foliage

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Long-lasting blooms add colour and texture from May to September

  • Dark stems provide striking contrast even before flowers open

  • Seedheads can be left for winter interest or removed for tidiness

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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