Salvia x spendens Gogo Purple

The Sage or Salvia splendens Gogo Purple is a new cultivar, offering dense, dark purple flowers in spikes for a very long period. Its vigorous growth allows it to reach a height of 1m (3ft) in just a few months. This plant is actually a perennial, but is grown as an annual in our climate. A highly floriferous selection, ideal for borders and containers.

The hybrid Sage Gogo Purple is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, derived from Salvia splendens, native to the hot and humid regions of Brazil at high altitudes. A herbaceous perennial in its country of origin, this fast-growing frost-sensitive plant offers one of the most remarkable flowerings in summer borders. Gogo Purple inherits its vigour, forming an upright clump that will reach a height of 1m (3ft) in just a few months, although the stems can be pinched in spring to achieve a denser and shorter plant. Its flowering is abundant from late spring until the first frost. This variety is adorned with tubular flowers gathered in short and dense spikes, of a rich purple-violet colour. The bracts surrounding the flowers are even darker. This plant bears oblong, dark green leaves in a 'spade' shape. This sterile variety does not produce seeds.

Annual sages are widely used as bedding plants, in flower beds where they succeed spring bulbs and bloom throughout the summer. They can also be used to fill containers on the patio. Their vibrant colours attract all eyes. 'Go Go Purple' offers a less vibrant colour than the usual red, making it an opulent yet elegant plant that complements well the pastel or even vibrant colours of the companion plants. Create a delightful combination by pairing it with Salvia farinacea 'Victoria' or clary sages.