Salvia Caradonna – Hardy Perennial Plant

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a striking hardy perennial prized for its tall, slender spikes of rich violet-purple flowers held on dramatic dark purple-black stems. This award-winning variety is one of the most popular salvias for garden borders, bringing elegant vertical structure and months of colour from early summer. A magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, 'Caradonna' is a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

The upright, clump-forming habit makes it ideal for mixed herbaceous borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens and contemporary planting designs. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, roses and other summer-flowering perennials. Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages a second flush of blooms later in the season, extending the display well into autumn.

'Caradonna' is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial once established. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is fully hardy throughout the UK. This reliable variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM), recognising its outstanding garden performance.

What's Included:

• 1 x Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' supplied in a 17cm (2 Litre) pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'


• Common Names: Balkan Clary, Woodland Sage 'Caradonna'


• Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 50–60 cm × 30–45 cm


• Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Perennial


• Perfect For: Borders, Cottage Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Containers, Wildlife Gardens


• Flowering Time: June to August (repeat flowers if deadheaded)


• Flower Colour: Rich Violet-Purple on Dark Purple-Black Stems


• Planting Position: Full Sun


• Soil: Well-Drained, Moderately Fertile (tolerates most soils if not waterlogged)


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Other Pollinators


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H7)


• Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Foliage: Grey-Green, Aromatic, Lance-Shaped Leaves


• Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Planting & Care Tips:

• Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil for the best flowering results.
• Water regularly after planting until established; once settled, 'Caradonna' is drought tolerant.
• Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms.
• Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh, healthy growth.
• Divide clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigour.