Salvia 'Perfect Profusion'

Salvia 'Perfect Profusion': Icy Blue, Fragrant and Flower-Packed

'Perfect Profusion' has the energy of a straight-A student who also runs the bake sale. Icy blue spikes, fragrant leaves, and give it a trim and it simply starts again. OVERACHIEVER? GUILTY AS CHARGED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa 'Perfect Profusion'
• Common Name: Meadow Sage
• Series: Profusion, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 41–51 cm (16–20 in)
• Spread: 41–51 cm (16–20 in)
• Flowers: Soft icy blue, on dense spikes
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (June to August), with rebloom after shearing
• Foliage: Green and fragrant, in a rounded, clump-forming habit
• Features: Reblooming, fragrant flowers and foliage, rabbit resistant

Where to Plant: Plant it in the front half of a sunny border in groups of three or more, along a walkway or in large containers. Its pale blue softens hot colour schemes, and rabbits tend to leave it alone.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Perfect Profusion' in a sunny, dry bed with magenta pinks, crimson iris and tall purple hollyhocks. Dianthus 'Firewitch' edges the front with magenta pinks at 15 to 20 cm in May and June. Iris 'Play with Fire' adds ruffled crimson bearded iris at 90 cm in June. Alcea 'Purple Rain' rises at the back to 175 to 180 cm with deep purple hollyhocks from June to August. Panicum 'Heavy Metal' stands behind at 120 cm in flower with metallic blue-grey blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Water well through the first season. Established plants handle some dryness, but steady moisture brings more flowers. When the first spikes fade, cut the stems back by about half, down to fresh leaves. New spikes follow within a few weeks. Repeat after each flush. Cut the clump back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the centre gets sparse. Avoid soggy spots, especially in clay, since wet winter roots are the main thing that kills salvia.

History: 'Perfect Profusion' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2012 cross between the blue salvia 'Crystal Blue' and the rose-flowered 'Sensation Deep Rose'. It was named a Top Performer in a 2018 trial at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits read the menu and order elsewhere. Plant a row along the walk and enjoy the smug feeling. YOUR GARDEN JUST MADE THE HONOUR ROLL.