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Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'

Image of Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'

James H. Schutte

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout'

Plant Common Name

Lyreleaf Sage

General Description

The striking, deeply-colored foliage of salvia ‘Purple Knockout’ makes this perennial perfect for many garden applications. A form of lyre-leaf sage, this evergreen to semi-evergreen species is native to the central and eastern portions of the United States. It forms a basal rosette of glossy, oblong leaves which are deeply lobed at the bases, and lightly fragrant if crushed. The colorful foliage is red and burgundy in spring, later deepening to dark purple with violet-red undersides in summer. Tall spikes of tubular, pale lavender to light blue blossoms appear in mid- to late spring, and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The blooms are followed by silvery-white seeds that may attract songbirds, such as the American goldfinch.

Lyre-leaf sage is easy to grow in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil, but is also tolerant of moist to wet conditions. Overly rich soil and heavy shade may cause flower stems to flop. If allowed to reseed, this salvia can form an attractive, durable groundcover. Otherwise, trim back faded flowers to avoid self-sowing. This beautiful, wildlife-friendly plant is a great choice for naturalizing in lightly shaded woodlands, wildflower meadows, or along stream and pond edges. It is also a worthwhile addition to casual, cottage-style gardens.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 10

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Width

    8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Light Blue, Lavender

  • Fruit Color

    White, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Purple, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Burgundy

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes