Salvia 'Rose Marvel'

Salvia 'Rose Marvel': Fat Rose Spikes on Repeat

'Rose Marvel' is short, stocky and carrying flower spikes like it skipped leg day for a decade of arm day. Deep rose, thick and absolutely not compensating for anything. SMALL PLANT. BIG FLEX.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa 'Rose Marvel'
• Common Name: Meadow Sage
• Height: 30–35 cm (12–14 in)
• Spread: 30–35 cm (12–14 in)
• Flowers: Deep rose, on thick spikes 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long, with purple to red-striped calyxes
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September), in repeat flushes when sheared
• Foliage: Bright green and aromatic
• Features: Large flower spikes, compact habit, long repeat bloom

Where to Plant: Plant it at the front of a sunny border, along a path, in a rock garden or in containers. It's short enough for small spaces and bold enough to read from across the yard.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Rose Marvel' in a sunny, dry bed with ruby ice plant, white lavender and white iris. Delosperma 'Jewel of Desert Ruby' carpets the front at 10 to 15 cm with ruby-red flowers from May to September. Lavandula 'Alba' adds fragrant white spikes at 35 to 60 cm from June to September. Iris 'Immortality' opens ruffled white bearded iris at 65 to 76 cm in June and often again later. Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' rises at 90 to 120 cm, blue with red tips in summer.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Good winter drainage is the most important thing, so avoid low, wet spots and loosen heavy clay with compost or grit. Water during its first season, then only in long dry spells. Shear the spikes back after each flush of flowers to bring on the next one. A light feeding in spring helps keep it blooming. Cut it back in late fall or early spring. Divide every three or four years in spring to keep the clump vigorous.

History: 'Rose Marvel' was bred by Christa Kievit in Venhuizen, the Netherlands, for Ball Horticultural Company, and introduced by Darwin Perennials around 2018. It followed its sister 'Blue Marvel', which was also developed in the Netherlands, and both were selected for their unusually large flowers on compact plants.

Final Thoughts: Shear it between flushes and it comes back swinging. Put it at the front of the border, right where the neighbours can see. LET THEM STARE.