Vivid violet-blue flower spikes are borne above aromatic green foliage of this compact, versatile perennial.
Salvia Color Spires 'Violet Riot' is a hardy, versatile perennial with a clump forming, neatly rounded habit, aromatic green foliage and fragrant flowers. Butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to the masses of tall, vivid purple flower spikes emerging in early Spring through Summer. Once the blooming period has finished, the foliage itself makes for a lovely, soft green, mounding shrub.
The foliage of Salvia Color Spires is attractive all year long and adds wonderful texture to sunny or shaded gardens as a border plant or mass-planted in landscapes. The tidy habit and sturdy, tall flower spires are at home in a range of gardens, from a free-ranging cottage style to more formally organised landscapes. When in bloom, the flower spires make a perfect background or centrepiece in larger springtime combination planting in containers.
Flower spires and foliage of 'Violet Riot' also make lovely fresh-cut floral arrangements.
Salvia Color Spires are suitable for positions with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil in a wide range of climates. Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to improve drainage, and add a little slow-release fertiliser or compost. Keep in mind that Salvias are light feeders, and over-fertilising can in fact cause plant stress, which causes them to become leggy and flop. Water regularly until settled in.
Salvia Color Spires are drought tolerant once established, but perform best with consistent low-levels of moisture. Water more frequently during prolonged periods of no rain. A good measure is to water when the top five centimetres of soil becomes dry.
Remove spent flower spikes as needed at the stem's base, near to the auxiliary flower stem below. Prune Salvias Color Spires in early Spring when new growth emerges to form shape and encourage branching. Remove dead stems by cutting off at soil level.
In containers, use a premium all-purpose potting mix and ensure that drainage holes function well, and remember that plants in pots need more regularly watering than those in the ground.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
