Cottagekaren's Garden
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
They grow to roughly 50cm / 20 inches high, and will spread to around 30cm / 1 foot in three years but the centre of the plant remains very compact.
Masses of violet blue flowers appear starting in May or early June. The stems are very dark blue, almost black. Flowers are produced for a couple of months.
The leaves are a light grey colour and have a very pleasant scent. These die down in October / November time.
The best soil for growing Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a light well draining one such as loam, chalk or sand. They do not do well on clay unless it has been improved with lots of organic matter to help drainage.
They tolerate full sun to semi-shade conditions. The best flower colour occurs in a sunny position. Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' needs a moist soil
The only maintenance required is a handful or two of fish, blood and bone fertiliser in spring. Dead heading the flower spikes, if you have time, will extend the flowering period.
They are low maintenance if the soil is kept moist.
No parts of the plant are poisonous to humans.
They make good cut flowers.
They can successfully be grown in containers.
They are fully hardy in all parts of the UK down to -22°C / -11°F.
