Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' (Whorled sage 'Purple Rain') — Bushy

Overview

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, wildlife gardens, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe and western Asia.

About

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' (whorled clary 'Purple Rain') is a bushy, herbaceous perennial from the Lamiaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height, with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun on west- or south-facing, sheltered sites, favouring well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. It is of interest during both summer and winter seasons.

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: West-facing, South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Europe and western Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Honey fungus, Powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt, Foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'?

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' need?

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How do I prune Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

How big does Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' grow?

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' hardy in the UK?

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'?

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →

Last updated 15 May 2026