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.
'Orinoco'
Ornamental sage
Delicate as a summer blush, Salvia 'Orinoco' brings a wonderfully soft touch of colour to the garden. Its charming, two-lipped flowers open in the palest shades of powder pink, with subtle lavender undertones that give the petals a beautifully luminous quality. The blooms are carried along slender, branching stems, creating a light, airy display above fresh, bright green foliage. Softly ruffled petals add a lovely sense of texture, while the gentle colouring becomes particularly enchanting in the warm afternoon light. Despite its understated appearance, Salvia 'Orinoco' flowers with remarkable generosity, producing a succession of delicate blooms throughout the warmer months. It looks especially beautiful alongside violet-blue nepeta, white cosmos and softly waving ornamental grasses, where its pastel colouring creates a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Part of the Dutch-bred Magical River series, Salvia 'Orinoco' combines elegant flowers with a naturally compact, bushy growth habit. Reaching approximately 50–60cm tall, it's a delightful choice for sunny borders, gravel gardens and patio containers. From late spring into autumn, Salvia 'Orinoco' produces nectar-rich flowers that attract visiting bees and other pollinators. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil, choosing a warm position in full sun and avoiding excessive winter moisture. Once established, it tolerates periods of summer heat and dryness, while occasional trimming encourages fresh growth and another generous flush of flowers. In colder UK gardens, provide some winter protection and leave harder pruning until spring. With its beautifully delicate colouring and exceptionally long flowering period, Salvia 'Orinoco' is a charming choice for bringing effortless elegance to the garden.
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® 'Orinoco'
Salvia × jamensis 'Kolmaori' - Flower colour
- Pale pink
- 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.