Salvia jamensis Violette de Loire

Salvia x jamensis 'Violette de Loire'® is a recent hybrid from France. It is a semi-evergreen plant with a pleasant aroma that produces small deep violet flowers with bluish reflections in spring and, even more generously in September, arranged in spikes. The autumn light enhances the beauty of the flowers, making them appear like a stained glass window. Despite being moderately hardy, this shrub is robust and can thrive in well-drained soil, even in poor conditions. It grows well in sunny and partially shaded locations and can even be grown in containers.

 Salvia x jamensis 'Violette de Loire' is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae or labiates family. It has a bushy and spreading habit and is wider than tall. It can grow up to 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 60 cm (23.6 in) in diameter. The plant produces nectar-rich flowers, attractive to bees that are particularly abundant in autumn, from September to November, as long as the cold weather does not damage them. The flowers emerge from the foliage and are grouped in spikes. They measure up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in length and are a beautiful, intense blue-violet, with a bluish reflection when backlit. Each flower lasts only a day, falling to the ground in the evening, but new ones will bloom the following day. The semi-evergreen foliage comprises small oval, dark green, aromatic leaves that are a bit sticky and release a strong acidic-scented essential oil when heated. The leaves measure from 1 to 2 cm in length.

This plant will bloom alongside rock roses, rosemary, and bellflowers in spring. However, its pairing with autumn asters is stunning. You can opt for those that can thrive with minimal care, such as Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus or Aster amellus. It will create a delightful display with gauras, tall sedums (Sedum 'Matrona'), and shrubby potentillas.