Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Balkn clary, blue sage

Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ is a superb plant for the drier Mediterranean garden or mixed border, associating well with other sun-loving drought tolerant plants and giving reliable colour over an exceptionally long period.

Throughout summer and autumn, towers of densely packed violet-purple flowers rise to 50cm above neat basal rosettes of crinkly grey-green aromatic foliage.

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Origin: central Europe, cultivar of horticultural origin
Genus: Salvia
Species / Cultivar: nemorosa var. 'Caradonna'
Common Name: Balkn clary, blue sage

Plant Biography

Salvia is a large family of Mediterranean plants, with aromatic leaves (some species are used has a herb in multiple cuisines around the world).

The Salvia nemorosa species originates in Central Europe and West Asia, getting its specific epithet ‘nemorosa’ from the fact that it can be found in woodland clearings.

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
Soil: Well drained
Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 0.1 - 0.5m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.1 - 0.5m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Habit: Deciduous
Sheds all its foliage annually, so for a period of the year it will be without foliage.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Salvia will flower from May to July, producing long spikes of nectar rich purple flowers. Deadhead the spent spikes to encourage flowering well into the autumn.

Plant the Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ in the middle or front of the border for best results.

Alongside other herbaceous perennials, the salvia is a great companion for grasses, requiring minimal maintenance once established.

Mulch in spring with compost to both provide a protective layer and add nutrients to the soil.

Expert Tip

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' will reach it's maximum potential after 5-6 years. Dividing the clump will allow it to live for many more years after that.

1 customer review for Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Very well grown, very healthy, has settled into the border well.

Janet Grigg