Salvia nemorosa 'Lyrical White' is a compact upright perennial prized for its elegant spikes of pure white flowers that rise above textured aromatic foliage. This cultivar offers a long bloom season and strong reblooming potential when deadheaded. Its tidy habit and vertical form make it an excellent structural element in mixed borders and pollinator friendly gardens.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Highly resistant due to fragrant, textured leaves
Native Status
Salvia nemorosa is native to central Europe and western Asia. While 'Lyrical White' is a cultivated variety, it retains the durable drought tolerant qualities of its wild ancestors and is well suited to North American gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Extremely attractive to honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary native bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees.
Butterflies
- Draws pollinators such as Painted Ladies and Small Tortoiseshells with its nectar rich flowers.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides a floral resource for hoverflies and lacewings that assist with aphid control in nearby plants.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart to allow for airflow and repeated blooming.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for front to mid border plantings especially in dry meadow, cottage, and formal designs. Works well in repetition to create a crisp vertical rhythm.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' - Compact lavender with pale purple spikes complements white salvia in tone and form.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright yellow daisy like flowers create warm contrast and share similar drought tolerance.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Wispy lavender blue blooms add airy movement and echo vertical structure.
- Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan' - Broad petaled blooms reflect the white hues of salvia while adding late summer mass.
- Calamintha nepeta - Low mounding form and soft minty fragrance blend well while attracting pollinators.