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Salvia 'Berry Blast'
sage
From midsummer until the first frosts, this compact perennial produces an impressive display of tall flower spikes in deep, velvety...
9cm pot
available to order from late spring
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from late spring
6 × 9cm pots
available to order from late spring
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Plant description
From midsummer until the first frosts, this compact perennial produces an impressive display of tall flower spikes in deep, velvety purple, accented by darker calyces. The blooms are carried on strong, well-branched stems that keep their shape and colour for many weeks, making them reliable highlights in borders, pots, or mixed plantings. Foliage is dark green and aromatic, adding extra appeal even when the plant is not in flower.
Salvia ‘Berry Blast’ offers a neater, more compact habit than the popular Salvia 'Amistad', making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces and container gardening. At around 75cm (2.5ft) tall and 60cm (2ft) across, it strikes the right balance between presence and manageability. This long-flowering cultivated variety thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, provided the soil is moist yet free-draining.
Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, it adds both beauty and biodiversity to the garden. With its strong colour, extended season of interest, and easy-care nature, it is a superb option for gardeners looking to combine impact with practicality.
Salvia ‘Berry Blast’ offers a neater, more compact habit than the popular Salvia 'Amistad', making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces and container gardening. At around 75cm (2.5ft) tall and 60cm (2ft) across, it strikes the right balance between presence and manageability. This long-flowering cultivated variety thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, provided the soil is moist yet free-draining.
Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, it adds both beauty and biodiversity to the garden. With its strong colour, extended season of interest, and easy-care nature, it is a superb option for gardeners looking to combine impact with practicality.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
How to care for Salvia Berry Blast:
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
