Selected cultivar of woodland sage with distinctive near-black flower stems carrying dense spikes of deep violet flowers in early summer. The signature ornamental sage of modern naturalistic planting design.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 4–8 | −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 4–8 | −29 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Plant in sunny mixed borders and naturalistic plantings — among the most reliable and bee-rich perennials available, defining cultivar of the modern "New Perennial" style
- Cut back hard after the first flowering for a strong second flush
- Distinct from the base Salvia nemorosa (already in the database as `salvia-ornamental`) — ‘Caradonna’ has unique dark stems
- Drought tolerant and clay tolerant
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Caradonna sage against your zones