Salvia 'Javier'

Perennial salvias really earn their keep in ornamental borders, producing spiky flowers from summer through to autumn. Salvia 'Javier' is a dramatic looking salvia, bearing masses of velvety black buds that open to bright mauve-purple flowers, above lime green foliage. It's extremely popular with bees and makes an excellent cut flower.

For best results grow Salvia 'Javier' in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage flowers into mid-autumn. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Plants may need protection in the harshest winters.