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Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'

Purple Lyre-Leaf Sage

Plant Type:

SUN PERENNIALS

Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout' - Coarse tongues of burgundy leaves in rosettes form a dense foliage mound. Leaves may even be purple-black. There is often some bronzing of the leaves when green attempts to enforce dominance especially if grown in part shade but the purple to blackened purple actually intensifies as the summer heats up, certainly in full sun. And come the late season before the cold enforces dormancy the foliage mound picks up red shades. Multiple stems rise above the foliage and multitudes of light blue sage flowers begin their reign late spring lasting well into summer. Florets may develop with few petals and possibly no petals while others can be fully endowed but this won't deter the pollinators as the Lyre-leaf Sage is a hub for visitors with wings of both cellophane and feather alike. Full to mostly sunny exposure planted in average, gritty ground to modestly fertile but sandy conditions, just not too rich. Grit will be important for winter drainage as too much winter wet will rot the crowns and roots. Drought tolerant. this will make a dense, weed-proof ground cover when planted en masse, a rock garden denizen, meadow or perennial garden plant. It is certainly entirely appropriate for the wildlife garden. Established, potted Purple Lyre-leaf Sage grown from seed or by division.


Height:

15-18 in

Spread:

12-15 in

Colors:

Light Blue

Characteristics and Attributes for Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Autumn Leaf Color

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Songbirds
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Full Sun
  • Mostly Sunny

Attributes

  • Bank
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Meadow / Field
  • Rock Garden
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Average
  • Draining
  • Sandy

Origins

  • Eastern U.S.