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Close-up of a herb plant with serrated fuzzy green leaves and slender stems bearing small purple flowers.

Plant with purple flowers and green serrated leaves growing among gray gravel in a garden bed

Dark Matter Salvia

Deep Violet Blooms
Pollinator Friendly
Compact Upright Habit

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$20.00

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Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Dark Matter Salvia

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Dark Matter Salvia

Dark Matter Salvia is a compact flowering perennial with deep violet bloom spikes, aromatic green foliage, and a tidy clumping habit. This colorful salvia brings vertical texture, pollinator appeal, and long-lasting seasonal interest to sunny borders, containers, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds.

Why choose Dark Matter Salvia?

Choose Dark Matter Salvia for strong dark flower color in a practical, easy-to-place perennial form. Its upright spikes add structure without overwhelming nearby plants, while the aromatic foliage creates a neat base through the growing season. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it especially useful in sunny garden designs. Use it in repeated drifts, along walkways, near patios, or paired with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, sedum, and other sun-loving perennials.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Salvia nemorosa ‘Dark Matter’
Common Name: Dark Matter Salvia
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Growth Habit: Compact, upright, clumping perennial

Dark Matter Salvia Additional Information

Dark Matter Salvia produces deep violet flower spikes above textured green foliage, adding a bold vertical accent from late spring into summer. The flowers pair beautifully with pink, white, yellow, and silver-toned plants, while the compact habit makes it easy to tuck into borders, foundation beds, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and patio containers.

This salvia dies back after frost and returns from the crown in spring. Removing spent flower spikes can keep the plant looking clean and may encourage additional bloom in favorable conditions. The aromatic foliage provides texture even when the plant is not in peak flower. For best long-term performance, plant Dark Matter Salvia where soil drains well and air can move freely around the foliage. Cut old stems back in late winter or early spring before fresh new growth begins.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Dark Matter Salvia in full sun with well-drained soil. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil and space plants so each clump has room for airflow and mature growth.

2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially in containers or very sandy soil.

3. Mulching: Apply a light mulch layer around the plant to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from the crown so new shoots emerge cleanly.

4. Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes after bloom for a tidier look and to encourage possible rebloom. Cut old stems back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does Dark Matter Salvia get?
Dark Matter Salvia grows as a compact clumping perennial, with mature size influenced by sunlight, soil quality, moisture, and seasonal growing conditions.
When does Dark Matter Salvia bloom?
Dark Matter Salvia typically blooms from late spring into summer with upright violet flower spikes. Deadheading spent blooms can help keep the plant tidy and may encourage additional flowering.
Does Dark Matter Salvia attract pollinators?
Yes. Its tubular flower spikes are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a strong choice for sunny pollinator-friendly borders and garden beds.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Flowering
Full Sun
Lush Foliage

Mature Height	Small: Up to 2 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Salvia nemorosa 'Dark Matter'
Deer Resistant	Usually
Bloom Time	Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
Family	Lamiaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#1 Container

Map of the United States with most states shaded green and boundary lines visible.

Growing Zones 4-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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