The introduction of 'Merleau' represents a technical breakthrough in Salvia superba, a popular perennial species. Salvia 'Merleau' is first year flowering, producing striking purplish blue spikes just 100 days after sowing. Growing to a height of 40cm, its compact form and floriferous habit won the praise of the Fleuroselect judges, who particularly recommended this variety for its outstanding pot performance. Flowering abundantly when other Salvias are just in bud, 'Merleau' will delight in the garden from June to September.

Use

Previously, Salvia superba has always been known as a perennial species, but Salvia 'Merleau' is a first-year flowering variety. 'It can therefore be grown as an annual, but will remain hardy through the winter and continue to please year after year.

Market Value

Merleau' produces purplish-blue spikes on a uniform, well-branched plant. It is a first-class pot performer for professional use, which will attract consumers at retail level as a genuine 'plant in the pot', with its mature appearance and early flowering. In the garden, it remains compact and flowers abundantly in a delightful colour, and fits perfectly into the latest garden trends.

Background Information

Salvia belongs to the family Lamiaceae, an enormous family with more than 300 species. Salvia superba, also known as Salvia nemorosa, originated as a wild plant in Brazil.