1 / 3
Salvia x sylvestris 'Caradonna'
caradonna sage
Garden hybrid origin; S. nemorosa parent from central/eastern Europe and western Asia; S. pratensis parent from western/central EuropeOverview
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae, a superior cultivar of the hybrid Salvia x sylvestris (S. nemorosa x S. pratensis), selected and named in Germany. 'Caradonna' forms upright, well-branched clumps 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall bearing opposite, wrinkled, lance-shaped, strongly aromatic gray-green leaves 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long on distinctively near-black to deep purple-black stems — the darkest stems of any commonly cultivated hardy salvia. From late May through July, the black stems are topped with dense, erect spikes 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long of small, deep violet-blue, two-lipped flowers 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) long held in violet-purple calyces that persist attractively after the petals drop, extending the ornamental season. Cut back by one-half after the first bloom flush for a reliable second flush in late summer. Hardy to zone 4 with good drainage. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Salvia x sylvestris is of garden hybrid origin; parent species S. nemorosa is native to central and eastern Europe and western Asia (meadows, dry grasslands, roadsides), and S. pratensis is native to western and central Europe (dry limestone grasslands and meadows).Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed perennial borders, formal gardens, and cutting gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The near-black stems are a striking design element — combine with silver-leaved plants (stachys, artemisia), pale yellow flowers (achillea), or white roses where the dark stems create dramatic contrast. One of the best hardy perennial salvias for the Pacific Northwest. Excellent cut flower; violet calyces persist well after drying.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms late May through July (primary flush, 5–7 weeks), with a reliable second flush in August–September after cutting back. Persistent violet calyces extend the ornamental period by 2–3 weeks beyond actual bloom. In the Pacific Northwest, the primary flush is typically mid-May through late June, with a second flush peaking in August. The dark stems remain ornamentally attractive throughout the growing season.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
deep violet-blue two-lipped flowers in persistent violet-purple calyces; dense erect spikes 8–12 inches on near-black stemsFoliage Description
wrinkled, lance-shaped, gray-green, strongly aromatic; stems near-black to deep purple-black — the plant's defining characteristicGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 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 to very light partial shade in average to lean, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Tolerates clay and average soils better than most salvias. Cut back by one-half to two-thirds immediately after the first bloom flush (typically late June to July) to stimulate a vigorous second flush and prevent sprawling. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring when the clump center becomes woody. No staking required; the dark stems are sturdy. Good winter drainage is important in zones 4–5.Pruning
Cut back all stems by one-half to two-thirds immediately after the first bloom flush — the most critical maintenance task, stimulating a second flush in August–September. Cut to the ground in late fall or early spring. Alternatively, apply a Chelsea Chop (cut back by one-third in late May) to delay and stagger bloom. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring, replanting outer sections at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring