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Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'

East Friesland Meadow Sage

Garden selection introduced by Ernst Pagels, Germany; the species S. nemorosa is native to Europe and western Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' is East Friesland meadow sage (Ostfriesland salvia), a clumping perennial growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Dense broad terminal spikes 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of deep violet-purple tiny tubular 2-lipped flowers with persistent dark calyces. Medium green lance-shaped textured (rugose) aromatic foliage. Square stems. In the mint family (Lamiaceae spp.). Introduced by Ernst Pagels (Germany). One of the original S. nemorosa cultivars — the standard against which newer selections are compared. Six weeks of primary bloom (June-July) with a second flush in September if sheared after the first. The spikes are broader and more robust than 'Caradonna' (S. nemorosa 'Caradonna'), which has narrower spikes on dark stems; 'East Friesland' has green stems. The habit can become open and floppy in rich moist soil or shade — lean dry soil and full sun produce the tightest form. Does not tolerate wet winter soil — crown rot in poorly drained clay is the primary limitation. Semi-evergreen basal rosette. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Garden selection introduced by Ernst Pagels (Germany). The species S. nemorosa is native to Europe and western Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in perennial borders (mid-border), mass plantings, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The original S. nemorosa cultivar. Rebloom with shearing. Pollinator garden. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

How to Identify

Identified by dense broad terminal spikes of deep violet-purple flowers with persistent dark calyces on green stems with medium green aromatic lance-shaped foliage. The broader spikes and green stems distinguish 'East Friesland' from 'Caradonna' (narrower spikes, dark purple-black stems). In Lamiaceae spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer Fall

Early to midsummer (June-July) with rebloom in September if sheared. Deep violet-purple flowers in dense broad terminal spikes. 6 weeks of primary bloom. Persistent dark calyces. Bee-, butterfly-, and hummingbird-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep violet-purple, tiny tubular 2-lipped flowers in dense broad terminal spikes 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) with persistent dark calyces

Foliage Description

Medium green, lance-shaped, textured (rugose), aromatic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained lean soil pH 6.0-7.5. Lean dry soil produces the tightest habit — flops in rich moist soil or shade. Shear after first flush (mid-July) for rebloom. Does not tolerate wet winter soil (crown rot). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

Pruning

Shear spent flower spikes back to the basal foliage after the first flush (mid-July) to trigger rebloom in September. Cut back to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in early spring if needed. Divide every 3-4 years in spring.

Pruning Schedule

summer