Caradonna Salvia

Striking violet-blue flower spikes on dramatically near-black stems create a bold, elegant contrast in bloom from late spring to midsummer — one of the most distinguished ornamental salvias. (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna')

$25.00

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Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ is a stunning perennial featuring vivid violet-blue blooms atop striking dark purple stems. Flowering from late spring through summer, it adds bold color and vertical interest to borders and pollinator gardens. Heat and drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low maintenance, Caradonna brings long-lasting beauty and elegance to any sunny landscape.

In stock (200)

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Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Bright light

Type of Soil Alkaline to neutral

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Low watering (once every 2 weeks)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate; quickly establishes and forms clumps within the first growing season. Mature size: 18–24 inches tall and 15–18 inches wide, with upright, slender stems.
Colorful Leaves	No
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	Purple & Lavender, Blue
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	Yes
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage.
Self-pollinating	Self-pollinating
Seasonality	Spring: Foliage emerges; flowering begins in late spring. Summer: Main flowering period with potential rebloom after pruning. Fall: Foliage may persist into early autumn before dying back. Winter: Dormant; basal clumps remain until cut back.
Ideal For	– Borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, mass plantings, cottage gardens, and containers
Leaf Description	Deciduous, lance-shaped leaves are medium green with slightly serrated edges. Leaves are aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant herbal scent. Foliage forms a tidy, basal mound that remains neat through the season.
Flower Description	Intense violet-purple flower spikes rise above dark purple-black stems, creating dramatic contrast. Blooms from late spring through mid-summer, with repeat flowering if deadheaded. Dense spikes of small tubular flowers attract pollinators and provide long-lasting color.
Pruning & Maintenance	Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage repeat blooms. After the first flowering flush, cut stems back by one-third to promote a second bloom in late summer. In late fall or early spring, cut back to the base to rejuvenate for the next season.
Water Needs	Water deeply during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, drought tolerant, though regular watering during dry spells enhances blooming. Avoid overwatering—Salvia prefers dry to moderately moist soil.
Light Needs	Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering and upright growth. Can tolerate light partial shade, though flowering will be reduced.
Harvesting	Flowers can be harvested for fresh or dried arrangements—cut spikes just before full bloom. Produces small nutlets (seeds) after flowering; not ornamental and rarely used for propagation. Propagation is best done through division in spring or stem cuttings in early summer.
Fertilizing	Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause floppy growth and fewer flowers. Compost or organic mulch once per year is usually sufficient for healthy growth.
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Insect-pollinated, primarily by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Self-fertile; does not require cross-pollination to bloom.
Companion Plants	Perennials: Echinacea, Coreopsis, Nepeta, Achillea, and Rudbeckia for complementary color and form. Grasses: Festuca glauca, Pennisetum, and Miscanthus for texture contrast. Shrubs: Lavender, Spiraea, and dwarf roses for structured garden borders. Design tip: Ideal for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and modern mixed borders.