Salvia nemorosa Caradonna

Salvia nemorosa Caradonna

Why Buy Me?

• Beautiful flowers
• Long flowering period
• Hugely popular
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun for the most abundant flowering and strongest stems. Can tolerate very light shade but may become leggy and flower less profusely.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Avoid heavy, wet, or overly rich soils which may cause root issues.

Exposure:
Performs well in both sheltered and exposed locations. Fully hardy across the UK, tolerating cold winters and frost.

Drought Tolerance:
Highly drought-tolerant once established. Performs well in dry, sunny locations. Occasional watering during prolonged drought improves flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or autumn when the soil is moist and temperatures are moderate.

Spacing:
Space plants approximately 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Mature height typically reaches 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) with a spread of 45–60 cm.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during the first season to establish roots. Once established, water only during extended dry periods. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring for vigorous growth and flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with compost or organic matter to conserve moisture. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming. Cut back hard after flowering to encourage a second flush and again in early spring to tidy up before new growth starts.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn or by softwood cuttings in late spring. Can also be grown from seed, but cultivars like ‘Caradonna’ may not come true.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New basal foliage emerges. Flower spikes begin forming in mid- to late spring.

Summer:
Produces tall, slender spikes of deep violet-purple flowers held on striking dark purple-black stems from early to midsummer. Long flowering season with repeat bloom if deadheaded.

Autumn:
Second flush of flowers possible in early autumn if cut back after first bloom. Foliage remains tidy into late autumn.

Winter:
Deciduous; dies back to ground level. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Excellent plant for wildlife gardens and pollinator-friendly borders.

Garden Use:
Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, and containers. Its strong vertical form and dark stems provide striking contrast in mixed plantings.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Echinacea

• Nepeta

• Achillea

• Rudbeckia

• Sedum (Hylotelephium)

• Ornamental grasses like Stipa or Miscanthus

Ideal for combining with other sun-loving perennials and grasses for texture, colour contrast, and long-lasting displays.

Transform your home and garden with the Salvia nemorosa Caradonna, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendation.