An incredibly long-flowering variety of Sage, with stunning, tubular purple flowers coming up and lasting well into the autumn and often until the first frosts. Aromatic foliage is an extra advantage. Easy to grow, it can get large, so may not always work in small garden, but it can be cut back through the season. Able to cope with dry spells, it’s not entirely hardy and it will not survive cold winters.
H x S: 1.2m x 1m (more in warm summers)
Aspect and soil: Best in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun, but it will be happy in dappled shade too (many in Regent’s Park are in part shade or areas that do not have full sun all day).
Use: In the middle of the border, although you will sometimes find it right at the front, with taller plants behind. Goes well with Verbena bonariensis, Eupatorium, Helianthus and Rudbeckia, and in front of a nice purple Sambucus nigra such as ‘Grace’.
Care: Dead-head regularly to prolong flowering and cut back unsightly stems. Leave alone in the winter if in a mild part of the country and cut back to the ground as the new growth shows signs of life to encourage a vigorous new season. Mulch with garden compost in early spring.
Wildlife: Bees, insects and butterflies love it.
Hazard: —
Origin: Southern Europe
Hardiness: H3
GILG GARDEN DESIGN 