An Unexpected Star: Rose Marvel Sage

When I received samples of these Rose Marvel sage from Ball Floraplant last year I had mixed first impressions. I'm not usually a fan of pink – although this did at least have some depth to the color which intrigued me and really pushes towards more of a rosy-lavender shade. However, since I have found sage to be drought tolerant and both deer and rabbit resistant I knew I at least had to give it a fair trial. I'm so glad I did!

Garden-worthy attributes

Sandwiched between dwarf lavender (Lavandula angustifolia SuperBlue) and Rheingold arborvitae the colorful fat spikes of Rose Marvel sage really pop

• The National Garden Bureau has included this variety in their celebration "2019 – The Year of Salvia nemerosa"
• Repeat bloomer without deadheading (great for lazy gardeners)
• Really fat flower spikes means you get big color impact from a small plant – ideal for petite gardens and patios
• Even when not in bloom the colored stems are attractive
• Disease resistant
• Stays compact
• Doesn't flop or need staking
• Easy to grow
• Attracts bees and butterflies
• Laughs at rabbits – seriously. And my rabbits are out to taste everything this year.

Key facts

• Grows 10-12" high (the basal foliage) – the flowering spikes take the height to 24"
• Best in full sun (6-8 hours direct sun)
• Average-dry soil
• Hardy in zones 4a-9b

Personal notes

• I have never fertilized these.
• My soil in the test area is average, somewhat moisture retentive, amended clay. I use a mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• My test area received 8 hours of direct sun in summer
• These were given supplemental water once a week during their first season. I don't expect them to need any this year (year 2)
• In year 2 (this year) these started blooming in mid-May and still have flowers five weeks later. In year 1 (last year) I received them as small, non-blooming plants in May or June. They began flowering in early August and continued until late September.

Combination ideas

Even the faded flower spikes have color which echoes the blooms of a DoublePlay Painted Lady spirea

• Think FOLIAGE FIRST! (Where have you heard that before?!) Frame them with more colorful foliage such as the deep copper-colored conifer Rheingold arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold') and the variegated green and gold foliage of DoublePlay Painted Lady spirea
• Repeat the vertical spikes of Rose Marvel by combining it with a dwarf lavender.
• Perfect for pollinator gardens with yarrow (Achillea) and hyssop (Agastache)
• Combine with grasses e.g. Carex 'Cappuccino' 

Where to buy

These should be readily available at all good nurseries and garden centers. I also found a few online stores that still had them in stock (many were sold out for the season). Try here, here, and  here.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with any of these online stores and cannot personally vouch for their quality or service – but would love to hear from you if you choose to purchase from them.