Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a perennial featuring striking deep violet flower spikes atop dark green foliage. Blooming from late spring through midsummer, it provides long lasting color, vertical interest, and attracts pollinators to sunny borders and mixed garden beds. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well drained soil, offering low maintenance performance and architectural presence in the landscape.
Height & Spread: 20 - 24 in x 18 - 22 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a cultivated variety derived from European meadow sage species. While not native to North America, it performs well in temperate garden environments.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees frequent the violet flower spikes for nectar.
Hoverflies
- Hoverflies visit blooms and help control aphids and other soft bodied garden pests.
Butterflies
- Painted Ladies and Red Admirals are drawn to the dense violet flowers, adding movement and interest in the garden.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow proper airflow and ensure robust flowering.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and mass plantings for long lasting color.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Magnus) - Tall daisy like blooms provide a complementary contrast to the deep violet Salvia spikes.
- Coreopsis verticillata (Moonbeam) - Soft yellow flowers enhance color contrast and attract pollinators.
- Ornamental Grasses (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') - Vertical texture adds architectural interest next to Salvia mounds.
- Lavandula angustifolia (Hidcote) - Fragrant violet flowers harmonize with Salvia spikes and draw in bees.
- Nepeta x faassenii (Walker's Low) - Aromatic foliage and long bloom period complement Salvia and support pollinators.