Salvia 'Purple Rain'
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Salvia 'Purple Rain' |
| Common Name | Purple Rain Sage |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height | 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 centimetres) |
| Spread | 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimetres) |
| Foliage | Aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves |
| Flower Colour | Deep purple-blue flowers |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early autumn |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, can tolerate poor soils |
| Watering | Low to moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Uses | Borders, containers, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens |
| Notable Feature | Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun in a location with well-draining soil. Salvia 'Purple Rain' performs best in full sun conditions.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by adding organic matter if needed to improve fertility, although this plant can tolerate poor soils.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
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Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering once established. This plant is drought-tolerant.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune back in late fall or early spring to encourage new growth.
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Salvia 'Purple Rain,' commonly known as Purple Rain Sage, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial renowned for its deep purple-blue flowers and aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves. Blooming from late spring to early autumn, it adds vibrant colour and texture to the garden. With a height of 24 to 36 inches, 'Purple Rain' is well-suited for borders, containers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens. Its ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds makes it a valuable addition to any landscape.