Salvia 'Cool Violet'
sage
This captivating shrubby perennial boasts a compact, bushy form adorned with aromatic foliage and striking violet-purple blooms reminiscent of parma violet sweets. 'Cool Violet' features distinctive purple-green stems that add visual interest even when not in flower.
Ideal for both container gardens and border plantings, this versatile sage thrives in sunny locations, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blossoms. While hardy in most regions, it benefits from winter protection in areas prone to extreme or prolonged frost. The plant's upright habit and vibrant flower colour make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to add vertical interest and pollinator appeal to their outdoor spaces, combining both aesthetic charm and ecological value in one stunning package.
Ideal for both container gardens and border plantings, this versatile sage thrives in sunny locations, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blossoms. While hardy in most regions, it benefits from winter protection in areas prone to extreme or prolonged frost. The plant's upright habit and vibrant flower colour make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to add vertical interest and pollinator appeal to their outdoor spaces, combining both aesthetic charm and ecological value in one stunning package.
How to care for Salvia Cool Violet:
When planting, improve drainage by incorporating compost and adding horticultural grit or sand to heavier soils. Space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and water thoroughly.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
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
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
