Salvia nem. 'Caradonna'

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Care Guide

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a hardy, perennial herbaceous plant that produces striking purple stems and vibrant violet-blue flowers. It's a favorite in cottage gardens, borders, and pollinator gardens due to its long blooming period and ability to attract bees and butterflies. Below is a detailed care guide in bullet points, along with key care points for keeping this plant healthy and thriving.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-drained soil. While it can tolerate poor soil, it performs best in moderately fertile, loamy soil with good drainage.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Salvia 'Caradonna' is drought-tolerant, but occasional watering during prolonged dry spells will keep the plant vigorous.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth, especially during the growing season.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy foliage and flowering. Over-fertilizing may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers (deadhead) to promote continuous blooming and extend the flowering season.
• Pruning: Trim back in late summer or after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom. Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
• Spacing: Space plants about 18 inches (45 cm) apart to allow for good airflow and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by division in early spring or by taking cuttings. Seed propagation is also possible but can take longer to establish.

Growth and Flowering

• Growth Rate: Fast-growing and can reach a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm).
• Flowering Period: Blooms from late spring to early autumn. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the flowering period.
• Flower Color: Features deep violet-blue flowers on tall, purple-black stems, adding a dramatic pop of color to the garden.
• Foliage: Aromatic, gray-green foliage contrasts beautifully with the dark flower spikes. The leaves are lance-shaped and slightly textured.
• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-free, though aphids or spider mites can occasionally be an issue. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
• Diseases: Disease-resistant, but overly wet or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot or mildew. Good air circulation and well-drained soil can help prevent these problems.

Key Care Points

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 6 hours daily for the best flowering performance.
• Watering: Water regularly until established, then tolerate drought conditions with occasional watering during dry periods.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom and cut back in autumn or early spring to rejuvenate the plant.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.

By following these care tips, Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' will reward you with a long season of beautiful blooms, adding vibrant color and pollinator activity to your garden

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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