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Overview
A clump-forming perennial reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Stems erect, square, branching from the base. Leaves opposite, lance-shaped to ovate, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, medium green, rugose, with a finely scalloped margin and a slightly aromatic quality when bruised. Flower spikes terminal and axillary, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, densely packed with small two-lipped flowers 0.4–0.6 inch (1–1.5 cm) long in violet-blue to blue-purple with persistent violet-purple bracts that remain ornamental after flowers fade, extending the display by 2–3 weeks. Blooms heavily in late spring to early summer; shearing after the first flush encourages a strong second flush in late summer. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. One of the most reliable and widely planted perennial sages.
Native Range
Salvia nemorosa is native to central and eastern Europe and western Asia — from Germany and Austria eastward through the Balkans, Russia, and into the Caucasus — growing in dry meadows, grasslands, and open rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The dense violet-blue spikes are classic partners for yellow-flowered perennials such as Achillea, Rudbeckia, and roses. Mass plantings are highly effective. Well-suited to xeriscape and dry garden designs. An excellent pollinator plant attracting bees and butterflies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Primary bloom from late May through June; shearing plants by one-half immediately after the first flush typically produces a second flush of bloom in August through September. Without shearing, plants may rebloom intermittently but less vigorously. The persistent violet-purple bracts on spent spikes continue to provide ornamental color for 2–3 weeks after individual flowers fade, substantially extending the effective display period.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Violet-blue to blue-purple with persistent violet-purple bractsFoliage Description
Medium green, lance-ovate, rugose, slightly aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry, poor soils once established; declines in heavy clay or wet conditions. Space plants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Shear back by one-half immediately after the first flush of bloom in late June to July — this is the most important maintenance step and reliably triggers a strong second flush in August through September. Water during establishment; once established, very drought tolerant. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor. Excellent deer and rabbit resistance.Pruning
Shear by one-half immediately after the first flush of bloom (late June to July) to trigger a reliable second flush in late summer. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late fall or early spring. Do not cut into old woody stems if present. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons