Herb

We’ve kept this one on for years; it’s a reliable performer in our display borders. The real appeal of Salvia ‘Caradonna’ is the contrast between the intense violet-blue flower spikes and the dark, dramatic purple-black stems that hold them. It brings months of colour, flowering from late spring well into summer, and the bees are drawn to it constantly.

This is a clump-forming perennial with an upright habit, reaching about 60cm tall when in flower. It forms a mound of fragrant, grey-green leaves at the base. For the best results and the strongest stems, give it a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s fairly drought-tolerant once it gets its roots down.

It’s a low-maintenance plant. To encourage a second flush of flowers, simply cut back the flower spikes as they begin to fade. Leave the old growth on over winter to protect the crown, then cut the stems back hard in early spring as new growth appears. It works wonderfully planted in groups in a border or provides great structure in a container.