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Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' (Lilac sage)

Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' SAL-vee-ah ver-tiss-ill-LAY-tah

Common Name: Lilac sage Genus: Salvia

Throughout the summer, this cultivar produces multiple flower spikes in irresistible shades of smoky purple. At about 20 inches tall and half as wide, the plant flowers abundantly, inviting you to make bouquets and to keep up with the deadheading.
Noteworthy characteristics: Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers and mixed borders. Butterflies love them.
Care: Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. This species tolerates alkaline soil. During the winter in cooler climates, provide mulch to prevent the soil from heaving.
Propagation: Divide in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall.
Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Attracts Butterflies; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color	Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Naturalizing, Suitable as Annual
Style	Herb Garden, Cottage Garden, Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by terroir
1/9/2010
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

Not my favorite salvia. It's a little muddy in color, and the leaves are messier than some of the others.

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