Salvia 'Spring King'

Salvia nemorosa 'Spring King': Early Riser, Bold Bloomer

As one of the earliest salvias to bloom, Salvia 'Spring King' ushers in the season with bold violet-purple flower spikes that appear in late spring, weeks ahead of most varieties. Its strong vertical form and densely packed blooms make it a reliable source of colour and pollinator activity just as the garden comes to life. Compact and tidy, it forms a lush clump of aromatic foliage that resists deer and drought while providing structure and rhythm in sunny beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Violet-purple
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer, with potential rebloom
• Foliage: Deep green, aromatic, mounded
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for edging, pollinator borders, or early colour in mixed perennial plantings, 'Spring King' offers strong form and long-lasting impact without overwhelming neighbouring plants. Its early bloom time makes it a valuable bridge between spring bulbs and summer perennials. Like all salvias, it's low-maintenance and highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Companion Plants: Pair Salvia 'Spring King' with the lemon-yellow blooms of Achillea 'Little Moonshine', the fine-textured movement of Bouteloua gracilis, and the plush, silvery leaves of Stachys 'Helene Von Stein' for a drought-tolerant combination that balances colour, texture, and seasonal interest beautifully.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; once established, it tolerates dry conditions. Shear back after flowering to encourage rebloom. Cut back to the base in early spring and divide every few years to maintain plant health and shape.

History: Bred for early flowering and compact form, 'Spring King' extends the blooming season of Salvia nemorosa while preserving all the qualities gardeners value—resilience, pollinator appeal, and strong garden presence.

Final Thoughts: Vibrant, early, and effortless, Salvia 'Spring King' reigns supreme at the start of the season. A hardworking perennial that kicks off the garden with colour, structure, and pollinator energy.