Salvia

This new plant is attracting plenty of attention because of its dark striking stems topped by violet flowers from early to midsummer. Unlike many salvias it is perfectly hardy, its species parent being a native of central Europe and western Asia, and one of the first salvias grown in the UK. The leaves of both the species and 'Caraddona' are about 3cm long and half as wide, and finely toothed. It can either be grown amongst other upright plants, or be used to contrast with more angular, architectural groupings.