Product Description
Salvia nemorosa 'Violet Profusion' PP31467 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Profusion Series
Common Name: Perennial Salvia
This Salvia nemorosa hybrid will impress you with the number of times it reblooms! Sheer back the spent flowers and enjoy again throughout the summer. Violet blue flowers are held on rosy purple calyxes on a perfectly rounded, dense and beautiful habit. This shorter stature Salvia will tuck in nicely to all sorts of places in your perennial garden, planted en mass makes a perfect edger.
Salvia is a staple item for every sunny garden. It asks little more than sunshine and a little drink every once in a while in return for producing a bountiful mass of colorful flower spires from late spring into early summer. It forms a uniform, rounded clump of aromatic, rugose green foliage that looks nice all season long and is not enjoyed by rabbits or deer.
Salvia is easy to grow in almost any climate. Though it is drought tolerant, it will bloom better with regular watering. Deadheading encourages a longer bloom time. If plants get leggy during the season, cut them all the way back to the newly developed foliage. If cut back, plants may rebloom in fall but often the flowers are fewer and smaller.
Height: 14.0-16.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-20.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades, Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion' is a vibrant and versatile perennial that can add a touch of beauty to any garden. With its striking violet-blue flowers and rosy purple calyxes, this compact plant is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, care, and uses of Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion', providing you with all the information you need to successfully cultivate this stunning plant in your own garden.
Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion', also known as Meadow Sage, is a cultivar of Salvia nemorosa native to Europe and west-central Asia. The specific epithet nemorosa means "growing in groves or woods", referring to the plant's natural habitat. It is a herbaceous perennial that is part of the Proven Winners collection. Proven Winners plants are known for their vigor, ease of growth, and vibrant, long-blooming flowers. 'Violet Profusion' is particularly known for its long blooming period and exceptional ability to rebloom throughout the summer, especially when deadheaded. This compact plant typically reaches a height of 14-16 inches with a similar spread, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings. The fragrant flowers and foliage of 'Violet Profusion' add another dimension to its appeal, attracting beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while deterring deer and rabbits.
'Violet Profusion' boasts a number of attractive characteristics:
- Flowers: The most notable feature of this plant is its vibrant violet-blue flowers, which bloom from late spring throughout the summer and even into fall. The flowers are arranged in dense, upright spikes (racemes) and are held on rosy purple calyxes, creating a visually appealing contrast. Each flower is relatively small, around 3 to 6 inches in size, with a single form. 'Violet Profusion' is a rebloomer, meaning it can produce flowers multiple times throughout the growing season, a quality that sets it apart from other Salvia varieties.
- Foliage: The foliage of 'Violet Profusion' is a lush green, providing a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The leaves have a medium texture and are aromatic when bruised, adding to the sensory experience of this plant.
- Growth Habit: This Salvia variety has a compact, clump-forming, upright growth habit. It typically reaches a height of 14-16 inches with a spread of 16-20 inches. This makes it a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings.
- Hardiness: 'Violet Profusion' is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Care and Maintenance 'Violet Profusion' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but proper care can help ensure its health and vigor:
- Planting: Plant 'Violet Profusion' in the spring after the risk of frost has passed, or in the early fall. Choose a location that receives full sun, as this plant thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While adaptable to various soil types, it prefers well-drained soil.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Once established, 'Violet Profusion' is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
- Pruning: After the first flush of blooms fades, cut back the plant by about one-third to encourage reblooming. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season can also promote more blooms. To encourage lateral branching, pinch plants from plugs one to two weeks after planting.
- Dividing: 'Violet Profusion' can be divided every 3-5 years in early spring.
- Propagating: This Salvia can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
- Winter Care: In colder climates (zones 3-8), 'Violet Profusion' may die back to the ground in winter. Apply a layer of mulch after the first hard frost to protect the roots.
Ideal Growing Conditions To ensure the optimal growth and flowering of Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion', consider the following:
- Sunlight: 'Violet Profusion' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It may tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.
- Soil: While adaptable to various soil types, 'Violet Profusion' prefers well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Moisture: This Salvia variety is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it performs best with consistent moisture. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil pH: 'Violet Profusion' is adaptable to a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.
Uses in the Landscape The versatility of Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion' makes it a valuable addition to various garden settings:
- Defining Spaces: Its compact size and dense habit make it ideal for creating defined edges and borders along garden beds or pathways. When planted en masse, 'Violet Profusion' can create a stunning border or serve as an effective groundcover.
- Adding Color and Texture: 'Violet Profusion' is well-suited for container gardening, adding color and texture to patios, balconies, or terrace gardens. Its vibrant flowers and lush foliage can brighten up any space.
- Enhancing Visual Interest: Planted individually or in small clusters, 'Violet Profusion' can serve as a focal point in garden designs. Its unique color and form can add depth and interest to any garden bed.
- Supporting Pollinators: 'Violet Profusion' attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens. Its fragrant flowers provide a valuable nectar source for these important creatures.
- Thriving in Challenging Environments: Its drought tolerance and compact habit make it suitable for rock gardens and xeriscapes. 'Violet Profusion' can thrive in areas with limited water and poor soil.
- Providing Cut Flowers: The vibrant violet-blue flowers make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Their long stems and lasting blooms make them a favorite for bouquets.
- Crafting with Dried Flowers: The flowers can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or other decorative crafts. Their unique color and texture add a touch of natural beauty to any project.
Companion Plants 'Violet Profusion' complements a variety of garden companions. Consider pairing it with other drought-tolerant perennials such as:
| Companion Plant | Description | Why it pairs well with 'Violet Profusion' |
| Lavender | Aromatic herb with purple flowers | Both plants thrive in similar conditions and attract pollinators. |
| Echinacea (Coneflower) | Long-blooming perennial with daisy-like flowers | Provides contrasting colors and textures. |
| Russian Sage | Tall, airy perennial with silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers | Creates a beautiful contrast in height and texture. |
| Catmint | Low-growing perennial with aromatic foliage and purple or blue flowers | Adds a different shade of blue and attracts pollinators. |
| Yarrow | Drought-tolerant perennial with clusters of small flowers | Offers a variety of colors and textures. |
| Ornamental Grasses | Provide movement and texture in the garden | Complements the Salvia's form and color. |
| Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass | Upright ornamental grass with feathery plumes | Creates a striking contrast in form and texture. |
| Heuchera 'Apple Twist' Dolce® 'Apple Twist' Coral Bells | Colorful foliage plant with small bell-shaped flowers | Adds contrasting foliage color and attracts hummingbirds. |
| Syringa patula 'Miss Kim' Miss Kim Lilac | Compact shrub with fragrant purple flowers | Provides a backdrop for the Salvia and attracts butterflies. |
These combinations create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that attracts pollinators and provides visual interest throughout the growing season.
Alternatives If 'Violet Profusion' Salvia is not available, consider these possible substitutions:
- Veronica spicata 'Glory' Royal Candles Speedwell
- Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Meow' Cat's Meow Catmint
- Nepeta x faassenii 'Novanepjun' Junior Walker™ Catmint
These plants offer similar characteristics in terms of growth habit, flower color, and pollinator attraction.
Potential Problems While generally low-maintenance, 'Violet Profusion' Salvia can be susceptible to certain problems:
- Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust can sometimes affect this plant.
- Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and scale are occasional insect pests.
Proper care, such as providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, can help minimize these issues.
Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion' is a stunning and versatile perennial that deserves a place in any garden. Its vibrant violet-blue flowers, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its adaptability to various conditions and its versatility in the landscape make it a favorite among gardeners. By following the care tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your 'Violet Profusion' thrives and brings beauty to your garden for years to come. With its beauty, versatility, and ease of care, Salvia n. 'Violet Profusion' is a truly rewarding plant that can enhance any garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
