Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst'
Balkan clary
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Providing colour for several months from midsummer, the slender upright spires of this sage are clothed in purple-pink buds, which open from the base upwards to lilac-purple, hooded flowers. Plant it towards the front of a sunny, well-drained border, or create drifts through a prairie-style garden where the bees and butterflies will flock to the flowers. - Garden care: 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.