Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst'

Balkan clary

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Slender spires of lilac-purple flowers appear from July to September above clumps of aromatic, mid-green leaves. This salvia is perfect for adding a splash of colour and vertical interest at the front of a well-drained herbaceous border or gravel garden and looks equally at home in a cottage garden or Mediterranean scheme. It will cope with some shade, but is happiest in full sun. The flowers 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.