Salvia 'Pink Profusion'

Salvia 'Pink Profusion': Dark Pink Waves From Spring to Fall

Most flowers drop their petals and call it a day. 'Pink Profusion' keeps its dark pink calyxes on like the guest still wearing the party hat at breakfast. THE PARTY IS OVER WHEN IT SAYS SO.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa 'Pink Profusion'
• Common Name: Meadow Sage
• Series: Profusion, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 36–41 cm (14–16 in)
• Spread: 41–51 cm (16–20 in)
• Flowers: Dark pink, set in darker pink calyxes that keep their colour after the petals drop
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (June to August), in repeat waves
• Foliage: Green and fragrant, in a dense, rounded clump
• Features: Reblooming, fragrant, rabbit resistant

Where to Plant: Plant it at the front of a sunny border, in a row along a path, or in big containers. It's compact enough for small gardens and holds its rounded shape without staking, and the flowers work in small bouquets, fresh or dried.

Companion Plants: Give 'Pink Profusion' a sunny, dry bed with coral geum, pink pinks and crimson iris. Geum TEMPO™ 'Coral' edges the front with coral-red flowers at 18 to 30 cm from April to June. Dianthus Rockin'™ Pink Magic adds white-to-pink fringed flowers at 45 to 60 cm from June to September. Iris 'Play with Fire' brings ruffled crimson bearded iris at 90 cm in June. 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. It tolerates drought once established, but blooms more with steady moisture, so water during long dry spells. When the first wave fades, shear the plant back by about half. A new round of flowers follows. Keep doing this through the summer. Cut it back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if it opens up in the centre. Avoid low spots that stay wet in winter.

History: 'Pink Profusion' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2013 cross between two unreleased seedlings in his salvia breeding program. It was bred to bloom in waves from spring into fall.

Final Thoughts: Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all have it on speed dial. Deer and rabbits got blocked. PLANT IT AND WATCH THE PINK REFUSE TO LEAVE.