Salvia nutans (Nodding sage) — pendulous, dense clusters of tubular violet-to-purple flowers that droop dramatically from tall, leafless stems, blooming June to August. A good pick for pollinators, fully hardy, full sun — needs maximum direct sunlight to keep its tall stems sturdy.
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🌿 Grown at our London nursery — collect in person or arrange local delivery
📦 Dispatched within 3 business days via Royal Mail
Product features
Botanical name: Salvia nutans
Common name: Nodding sage
Height: 90cm – 120cm
Spread: 30cm – 45cm
Foliage: Low basal rosette of large, textured, arrow-shaped mid-green leaves
Flower: Pendulous clusters of tubular violet-to-purple flowers, June to August
Attractive to wildlife: Yes — bees, butterflies, hoverflies
Soil Type: Moderately fertile, light, open — chalky, loamy, sandy
Drought tolerant: Yes, highly resistant once established
Hardy: Yes, fully hardy (RHS H7)
Position: Full sun
Evergreen: No
Suitable for: Prairie planting, cottage gardens, gravel gardens
Materials and care
Light: Full sun — needed to keep tall flower stems sturdy
Aspect: South- or west-facing, open, sun-baked borders
Soil type: Poor to moderately fertile — sandy, loamy, chalky
Drainage: Sharply well-drained essential
Watering: Low to medium — handles drought well once established
Deadheading: Cut spent flower stems to the basal rosette
End of season: Cut faded stems to the ground in late autumn
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame, or divide clumps in early spring
