Salvia 'Violet Profusion'

Salvia 'Violet Profusion': Violet Spikes That Just Keep Coming

Road salt, scorching sun, a dry spell and a neighbour's snowblower. 'Violet Profusion' has heard it all and keeps blooming like it's on retainer. VIOLET-BLUE AND ABSOLUTELY UNSHAKEABLE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa 'Violet Profusion'
• Common Name: Meadow Sage
• Series: Profusion, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 36–41 cm (14–16 in)
• Spread: 41–51 cm (16–20 in)
• Flowers: Violet-blue, in rosy purple calyxes
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (June to August), in repeat waves
• Foliage: Green and fragrant, in a dense, rounded clump
• Features: Reblooming, fragrant, salt tolerant, rabbit resistant
• Plant Patent: USPP 31,467 / Can 7,076

Where to Plant: It's a natural edger for sunny beds, walkways and driveways. It's rated salt tolerant, so it's worth trying near a sidewalk where winter salt splashes. It also fills containers nicely and suits a cut or dried flower bed.

Companion Plants: Helenium autumnale towers at the back at 90 to 150 cm, and its yellow daisies from July to October make a bright contrast with the violet spikes. Sedum 'Autumn Fire' sits in the middle at 45 to 60 cm, with broad pink heads from August to October to carry the bed into fall. Along the edge, Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' blooms in warm bicolour from June to September at only 20 to 25 cm. It's an easy, sunny planting with colour all season.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to fertile, well-drained soil. It tolerates acidic to alkaline soil. Water through the first season. After that it handles dry spells, though steady moisture means more flowers. Shear the plant back by about half after each flush of bloom to bring on the next. Cut it down in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if needed. Keep it out of spots where water pools in winter.

History: 'Violet Profusion' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2013 cross between two unreleased seedlings. Those same parents produced its sister 'Pink Profusion'.

Final Thoughts: Line the driveway with it and let winter do its worst. The hummingbirds will thank you in person. SALT? IT ASKED FOR SECONDS.