Salvia nemorosa Caradonna - Woodland Sage

The Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a small, sturdy perennial sage that is also distinguished by its early flowering. It will continue to bloom until autumn if the faded flower spikes are removed with shears. From May onwards, its upright spikes of dark purple are carried by almost black, dark brown stems, giving it a remarkable intensity. Not demanding and tolerant of drought, the 'Caradonna' sage brings life to sunny borders and flowering pots for almost 6 months.

The Salvia nemorosa is a perennial of the lamiaceae or labiate family. It is a species native to central Europe and western Asia. 'Caradonna' is one of its many cultivars, and undoubtedly one of the best. It will reach a mature height of no more than 50, possibly 55 cm when in flower, with foliage reaching 40 cm (16in), and a width of 40 cm (16in). This perennial develops from a prostrate rosette of oval, rough, wavy, very dark green leaves with toothed edges, aromatic when crushed. It has a bushy, compact, highly branched and sturdy habit. Flowering begins in May and continues until August, depending on the climate it may slow down during the peak of summer due to cooler soil, and then picks up again in late summer if it has been pruned after the first wave of flowers. From the tuft of foliage, thin terminal clusters of very dark-colored flowers emerge, each with many small flowers (0.5 to 1 cm (1in)) of intense purple, with dark purple bracts. The beautiful nectar-rich flower spikes delight butterflies and bees. The base of the stems is often reddish.

The Caradonna sage is an excellent choice for ornamental terraces and balconies, as well as a preferred guest in low-maintenance borders. Easy to grow throughout Europe, it is also one of the hardiest sages, and as such, a fantastic garden perennial that will not disappoint. It withstands everything, even wind, cold, heat, and poor soils. It will look stunning alongside pink-flowered roses like 'The Fairy' or 'Sourire d'Orchidée', or red ones for a strong contrast (Knockout rose). It pairs perfectly with gray foliage of artemisias in dry soil, or purple foliage like that of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red', in moister soil. It also complements light pink-flowered plants such as the hastate verbena 'Rosea', which will dominate it in height, the shrubby lavatera 'Barnsley', or the Penstemon 'Evelyn'. It is also perfect for creating borders and beds with Perovskia, light grasses (Stipa tenuissima or barbata), Lychnis coronaria, annual poppies, or shrubby potentillas with yellow, pink, or orange flowers..

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs, spread across the globe, except in very cold regions and the tropical forest, the Salvia genus is the most diverse in the lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, dating back to Roman times, derives from the Latin word salvus, meaning "healthy," alluding to the medicinal properties of the common sage.