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.
'Donau'
Ornamental sage
White flowers can be every bit as expressive as the brightest colours, particularly on Salvia 'Donau'. This compact ornamental sage produces an abundance of crisp, snow-white, two-lipped blooms, each emerging from a rich purple-brown calyx that makes the petals seem even brighter. The darkest buds offer a beautiful contrast before opening, and the calyces continue to add detail as individual flowers fade. Slender flower spikes rise above fresh, bright green foliage, giving the whole plant a light, airy appearance despite its wonderfully generous flowering habit. Salvia 'Donau' looks especially lovely beside violet-blue nepeta, pink gaura and softly silvered foliage, where its white flowers bring a calm, luminous note to summer planting.
One of the Dutch-bred Magical River salvias, Salvia 'Donau' has a tidy, well-branched habit that suits patio containers as beautifully as the front of a border. Growing to around 50–60cm tall, it produces flowers from early summer until the first frosts, providing a welcome source of nectar for visiting pollinators. Plant Salvia 'Donau' in a sunny spot with free-draining soil, and water regularly while establishing; once settled, it tolerates short dry spells. Trim faded flowering stems to encourage further blooms, and leave harder pruning until spring, after the worst frost has passed. With its striking dark calyces and beautifully clean colouring, Salvia 'Donau' is an elegant choice for months of summer interest.
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® 'Donau'
Salvia × jamensis 'Kolmadona' - Flower colour
- White
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 60-80cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- 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.