Salvia nemorosa 'Caramia'

A top pollinator favorite, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer. Its aromatic foliage naturally repels deer and rabbits, making it excellent for wildlife-friendly yet low-maintenance gardens.

A long-blooming perennial, starting in late spring and continuing through early fall with proper deadheading. Foliage remains neat throughout the growing season and dies back in winter, re-emerging in spring.

Sunny borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, containers, mass plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes

Forms a compact mound of medium to dark green, aromatic leaves with a slightly rough texture and toothed edges. The foliage releases a pleasant scent when touched, helping deter pests.

Produces dense, deep violet-purple flower spikes held above dark burgundy calyces that maintain color long after the flowers fade. Blooms appear in late spring through midsummer, with a repeat flush in late summer if trimmed. The sturdy stems and rich color make it both eye-catching and durable in garden beds.

Plant ‘Caramia’ in spring or early fall in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Choose a sunny location for best flower color and plant health. Dig a hole just as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Loosen the soil at the base, place the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to extend bloom time. After the first major flowering flush (early to mid-summer), shear the plant back by one-third to encourage a strong rebloom later in the season. In late fall or early spring, cut the entire plant to just above the crown to remove old stems and promote fresh growth.

Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, ‘Caramia’ is highly drought-tolerant and performs best in moderately dry to average soil. Avoid excessive watering or poor drainage.

Thrives in full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal to encourage compact growth, abundant flowering, and strong color.

Flowers can be cut for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements. Small, nutlet-like seeds form after flowering and can be collected if desired, though the plant is best propagated by division.

Feed lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, or amend soil with compost to support healthy growth. Overfertilizing can lead to floppy stems and reduced flowering.

Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to its nectar-rich tubular flowers. While it can self-pollinate, it most often cross-pollinates through insect activity.

Ideal companions include Coreopsis, Echinacea, Gaura, Nepeta, Lavandula, Achillea, and Veronica. These drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials complement Salvia’s vertical spikes with contrasting textures and colors, creating vibrant summer displays.