The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Vivid Indigo Sage

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

SAL-vee-ah nem-or-OH-sah Audio

This drought-tolerant perennial is noted for its vivid indigo flowers along deep purple-black stems, which gives it a bicolor appearance. It blooms in early summer and then sporadically if spent flowers are deadheaded. It forms an upright clump, with the flower spikes rising to 2 feet in height; its wrinkled, softly hairy leaves form a mound 1 foot high. Plants spread 1 or 2 feet wide. These are some of the showiest plants for containers and mixed borders. Butterflies love them.

CareProvide moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

PropagationDivide in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall.

ProblemsPowdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

  • Genus : Salvia
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Foliage
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide