Selected by the renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf as one of his favourites, this is a cracking plant. The softly hairy leaves are quite a dark green, while the upright, branching flowerspikes carry reddish-purple stems and flowers throughout summer - the combination of which creates a rich hue that is perfect for 'bruised' colour schemes. This spreading plant is easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers a spot in full sun.
How to care for Salvia verticillata Purple Rain:
To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. Avoid excessive winter wet, and deadhead after flowering if you want to prevent it self-seeding.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.