Salvia Atropatana

Salvia atropatana is a rare hardy sage from Iran and the Transcaucasus, forming a substantial clump of broad leaves and branching summer stems. Loose whorls of light purple-blue flowers rise to around 60-90 cm and resemble a more open, natural version of meadow clary. The foliage may acquire a purple flush in cool weather, adding seasonal interest before dormancy. Slow to settle but long lived once established, it suits sunny naturalistic borders with ordinary, well-drained soil and offers abundant nectar to bees throughout its flowering period.