Salvia x superba
violet sage
Lamiaceae
Characteristics: Tough, long-lived, shorter drought-tolerant perennial. Typical salvia with purple terminal inflorescence (verticillaster- false whorl), decussate, aromatic leaves, with persistent calyx that maintains colour even after flowering.
Growing conditions: Suitable for front of border. Likes sun and can tolerate drought.
Limitations: There are 3-4 virtually identical flowers that could potentially cause confusion when purchasing at a nursery (i.e., sylvestris).