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Salvia 'Blackberry Ripple' (PBR)

sage

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A compact, upright perennial with aromatic green foliage and striking two-tone blackberry-purple flowers that bloom continuously from late spring to autumn.

Salvia 'Blackberry Ripple' is a magnet for bees and butterflies, adding both colour and wildlife interest to borders, path edges, and containers. The long, sturdy stems make excellent cut flowers, bringing their blackcurrant-like fragrance indoors.

This semi-evergreen cultivar retains its foliage in mild winters, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This ornamental sage becomes drought-tolerant and resilient, though winter protection may be needed in prolonged or severe frosts.

Ideal for cottage gardens, wildlife planting, or Mediterranean-style borders, it provides season-long impact with minimal maintenance once established.

How to care for Salvia Blackberry Ripple (PBR):

When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly. To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.

In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.

Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.

Pruning, when required, is generally carried out in mid to late spring by trimming back to 15-30cm above the ground (or previous season's growth in older plants) to encourage new growth. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems.

Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.

Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

  • InformationThis perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

Product options image
RH30008021
9cm pot
£12.99
available to order from autumn
Product options image
RH30008291
3 × 9cm pots
£29.99 £10.00 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
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