Salvia 'Serenade'

Perennial salvias are worth their weight in gold in ornamental borders, thanks to their summer-long displays of spiky, nectar-rich flowers. Salvia 'Serenade' has deep purple stems, on which luminescent violet blooms appear from May to November. It can grow reasonably tall, to around 70cm. It's more tolerant of partial shade than other cultivars, although it does best in full sun. It's extremely popular with bees and makes an excellent cut flower.

For best results grow Salvia 'Serenade' 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.