Salvia 'Caradonna'

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna': Regal Spires, Striking Stems

With deep indigo flower spikes and distinctive dark purple stems, Salvia 'Caradonna' brings an air of elegance and vertical drama to the summer garden. The richly coloured blooms rise above clumps of aromatic foliage, attracting bees and butterflies from late spring well into summer. Its upright habit and strong architectural lines make it an ideal contrast plant, threading saturated colour and structure through perennial borders. Durable and drought tolerant, it’s as tough as it is beautiful.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep indigo blue
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer, with potential rebloom
• Foliage: Aromatic, deep green, finely textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Caradonna' is a favourite for cottage gardens, modern designs, and pollinator borders alike. Its slender, dark stems add definition and depth, especially when planted in rhythmic repetition. It thrives in dry, sunny sites, provides weeks of colour, and mixes beautifully with warm tones, grasses, and other drought-tolerant perennials.

Companion Plants: Combine Salvia 'Caradonna' with the fiery red tones of Achillea 'Paprika', the soft vertical variegation of Calamagrostis 'Overdam', and the silvery-blue blooms of Nepeta 'Cat's Meow' for a textured, sun-loving combination that hums with pollinator activity and visual harmony.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water during establishment, then sparingly. Shear back after flowering to encourage a second bloom flush. Cut to the base in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and dense flowering.

History: Introduced by Zillmer Pflanzen in Germany, 'Caradonna' quickly became a standout in the Salvia nemorosa family for its distinctive dark stems and saturated flower colour. It has received widespread recognition for its ornamental value and garden performance.

Final Thoughts: Elegant, upright, and pollinator-rich, Salvia 'Caradonna' is a defining plant for sunny borders. Its blend of poise and power ensures it remains a timeless favourite in gardens of every style.