Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Masses of flower spikes rise above fragrant foliage on the Caradonna meadow sage to draw eyes and pollinators to the landscape. The violet-purple flowers appear starting in June with the display lasting into July and this plant reblooms with proper pruning. Even the stems of the Caradonna meadow sage, a cultivar of Salvia, are an attractive glowing purple color. In the right light, the stems even look blackish.
This deer and rabbit resistant plant is well suited for a tough site with heat and dryness that would challenge other plants. Use it for great effect in a butterfly or pollinator garden. Combine it with ornamental grasses or perennial Geranium, Coreopsis, or Monarda that will flower during the same time to create an attractive display or include in a cut flower garden. A tolerance for salt also makes it ideal for rock gardens or along driveways.
Caradonna Meadow Sage Care
Excess water or fertilizer or a site with too much shade can cause the Caradonna meadow sage to become floppy. Choose a spot that gets full sun. This salvia tolerates drought and dry soils, but plan to water weekly until this plant gets established, then during extended hot, dry spells. Fertilize it annually in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Shear this plant just as its first bloom period is ending to encourage new growth of foliage and a second bloom. Trim plants back to remove all of the flower stalks. Cut the sage back to just above ground level in early spring.
Caradonna Meadow Sage Spacing
This salvia grows one foot to a foot and a half tall with a similar spread. Space plants about a foot apart in a mass planting or give each at least two feet of space in a garden where you want each recognizable as a specimen.
Caradonna Meadow Sage Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1 - 2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1 - 2 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright, Clumping, Columnar
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple, Blue
- Flower Description
- Vibrant violet-blue dark-purple
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Purple
- Foliage Description
- Gray-Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest, Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Caradonna Meadow Sage
- Botanical Name
- SALVIA NEMEROSA 'CARADONNA'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!