Sage

£5.99

Position: full sun
Soil: light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well- drained soil
Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September Flower colour: intense violet-blue
Other features: attractive to butterflies and bees
Hardiness: fully hardy
Slender spires of intense violet-blue flowers from July to September above clumps of wrinkled, mid-green leaves. This compact form of salvia is perfect for adding a splash of colour at the front of a well- drained herbaceous border or gravel garden. Coping well in sun or light dappled shade, the violet-blue blooms are a magnet for butterflies and bees.Garden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.

Need a little advice? We've got several articles to guide you through shopping online, together with helpful advice on choosing the right product for you.

We think these guides might be of interest: Perennials.

Our community of gardeners have a wealth of experience, beautiful garden and great photos, discover more on the following pages: border ideas.