Alphabetical Plant Listing

A Fabulous Duo: Salvia 'Caradonna' and Penstemon 'Rich Ruby'

Perennial Combinations, Spring Borders, Summer Borders


This plant pairing uses 2 spectacular, upright perennial plants with contrasting flower colors and shapes. Stars of a long-lasting show acted out in rich burgundy-red and violet-blue, are the bell-shaped flowers of Penstemon 'Rich Ruby' (Beardtongue) and the vertical spikes of Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Sage). 

Both plants are deer or rabbit resistant, drought tolerant and are top performers, earning them the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. They make excellent fresh cut flowers that can be pleasantly enjoyed at home too!

Garden Information

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard , Informal and Cottage , Traditional Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Penstemon - Beardtongues Great Plant Combination Ideas with Salvia - Sage


Gap Photos/Carole Drake

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Garden Information

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard , Informal and Cottage , Traditional Garden

Get Garden Design Ideas


Great Plant Combination Ideas with Penstemon - Beardtongues Great Plant Combination Ideas with Salvia - Sage


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Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Sage)
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