Salvia 'East Friesland'

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland': Vivid Violet, Garden Classic

A dependable performer with a rich history, Salvia 'East Friesland' produces a generous flush of vibrant violet-purple flower spikes from late spring into midsummer. Its compact, upright habit and intensely coloured blooms make it a reliable accent in the perennial border, where it contrasts beautifully with warm tones and airy textures. The aromatic foliage resists deer and drought, while bees and butterflies flock to its nectar-rich blossoms. This cultivar is known for its vibrant colouring, clean habit, and no-fuss reliability.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-purple
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer, with light rebloom
• Foliage: Deep green, aromatic, finely textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average soil

Uses and Benefits: Excellent for edging, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens, 'East Friesland' provides saturated colour early in the season and a tidy, low-maintenance presence throughout. Its compact size makes it especially useful at the front of borders or in smaller garden spaces. With strong stems and vibrant spikes, it delivers contrast, vertical interest, and pollinator activity in equal measure.

Companion Plants: Pair Salvia 'East Friesland' with the warm, earthy tones of Achillea 'Terracotta', the soft, feathery plumes of Calamagrostis brachytricha, and the cool-toned flowers of Nepeta 'Dropmore Blue' for a balanced and seasonally layered combination that supports bees and butterflies while offering textural elegance.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water to establish, then reduce frequency; mature plants are drought tolerant. Trim back after flowering to encourage rebloom and maintain shape. Cut to the base in early spring and divide every few years to rejuvenate clumps.

History: Bred in Germany and introduced by Ernst Pagels, 'East Friesland' is one of the earliest and most enduring Salvia nemorosa cultivars in cultivation. Its combination of vivid colour, compact habit, and dependable flowering has made it a staple in perennial gardens for decades.

Final Thoughts: Colourful, compact, and long-admired, Salvia 'East Friesland' remains a go-to choice for gardeners seeking vivid early bloom and reliable summer performance. A classic that continues to shine.