PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- purple, blue
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. The plant needs little water and handles drought well. Apply a light compost dressing in spring. Remove dead foliage in autumn to prevent fungal problems.
Pruning tips
Cut back the first flower spikes after blooming to just above the foliage — this encourages a second flowering in autumn. In early spring, cut the plant back to just above ground level.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.