Salvia ‘Plum crazy’

‘Plum Crazy’ is a tall-growing Salvia guaranitica with serious presence. Upright spires carry large tubular flowers in a deep red-purple, emerging from even darker burgundy calyxes. The contrast of near-black bud against open flower is where it gets its character.

It flowers for months, from spring right through into autumn, and bees, larger butterflies and pollinators of every kind work it hard. Height reaches around 90 to 120cm, so it’s a back-of-border plant or a strong vertical accent in a large pot.

Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. In colder areas it appreciates a sheltered spot, and a winter mulch over the crown is sensible. Cut stems back in early spring.

Brilliant weaved through grasses, paired with Verbena bonariensis, or as a full-height container feature on a sunny terrace.