Mealy Sage 'Evolution Violet'

Salvia farinacea 'Evolution Violet' is a sophisticated half-hardy annual that provides deep, velvety violet flower spikes throughout the peak of the British summer. The 'mealy' part of its name refers to the attractive silvery-grey bloom found on the stems and calyxes, which provides a cool contrast to the intense flower colour. Growing to about 45cm, it has a tidy, upright habit and is much more compact than the species. It is an excellent plant for adding vertical interest to the front or middle of a border and looks particularly effective when planted in large drifts. While it can survive mild winters in the far south of the UK with protection, it is most reliably treated as an annual. It is highly attractive to bees and butterflies and is relatively resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a practical choice for rural gardens.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.