Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Colorado'
Ornamental sage
Vibrant, cheerful and full of summer energy, Salvia 'Colorado' brings a glorious splash of cherry red to the garden. Its beautifully shaped, two-lipped flowers glow in rich shades of crimson and raspberry-red, with a subtle pinkish undertone that gives their colouring wonderful depth. Each bloom emerges from a contrasting burgundy-purple calyx, creating a striking combination that remains attractive even between flushes of flowers. The slender flowering stems rise above fresh green foliage, forming a colourful, airy display that moves gracefully in the summer breeze. With its exceptionally generous flowering habit, Salvia 'Colorado' is a delightful companion for lavender-blue nepeta, white cosmos and softly textured ornamental grasses, where its vivid colouring brings warmth and a lively sense of contrast.
Part of the Dutch-bred Magical River series, Salvia 'Colorado' combines brilliant colour with a naturally compact, bushy growth habit. Reaching approximately 40–50cm tall, it makes an excellent choice for sunny borders, gravel gardens and patio containers, where its flowers can be admired throughout summer and well into autumn. Plant Salvia 'Colorado' in fertile, well-drained soil, choosing a warm position in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it tolerates short periods of dry weather, while occasional trimming encourages fresh growth and another generous flush of blooms. Its nectar-rich flowers are also a favourite with visiting bees, bringing welcome activity to the garden. With its spirited colouring and beautifully balanced habit, Salvia 'Colorado' offers months of effortless charm in even the smallest planting spaces.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
-
Salvia Magical® 'Colorado'
Salvia × jamensis 'Kolmacolo' - Flower colour
- Red
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 60-80cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green, bronze, brown
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 6 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.