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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Balkan clary 'Caradonna'

A compact, perennial with aromatic grey-green foliage. Upright, purple-black stems hold racemes of violet- purple flowers from summer through to autumn

Synonyms
Salvia 'Caradonna'
Salvia × sylvestris 'Caradonna'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Black Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Black Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Purple Black Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring, by division in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs, snails and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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