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
• Plant Patent: USPP 30,118

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: Behind this compact rose sage, Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls' lifts lavender flowers to 107 cm in June and July. Panicum Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' adds a 90 cm red switch grass that takes over from August into October. Up front, Armeria 'Alba' makes neat white tufts at 15 to 20 cm, flowering in May and June before the sage gets going. Rose, lavender and white keep things soft, and all of them want full sun.

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.