High Country Gardens
FlowerKisser Dark Shadows Salvia
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting to attract local pollinators.
Introducing the FlowerKisser® Dark Shadows Salvia, an exclusive perennial from High Country Gardens, bred for its exceptional nectar-rich blooms. This striking plant features prolific dark purple flowers that grace your garden from mid-summer through fall, attracting a vibrant array of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its grey-green foliage is pleasantly fragrant with a minty aroma. Resilient and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun, tolerates various soil types, and is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a beautiful and practical choice for any garden.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners prioritizing water-wise, low-maintenance xeriscape gardens
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting local hummingbird and pollinator populations
- Design-focused landscapers seeking high-contrast, sophisticated color palettes
Who should skip it
- Beginners wanting plants that require zero pest monitoring
- Gardeners with shaded yards or limited direct sunlight exposure
- Hands-off gardeners looking for strictly low-maintenance plant varieties
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
High nectar content makes this a magnet for local garden wildlife.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters common garden pests without requiring extra protective measures.
Bloom Duration
Provides consistent color and visual interest from mid-summer through autumn.
Drought Tolerance
Establishes well with moderate water, thriving in varied climate conditions.
Soil Adaptability
Versatile root system handles sandy, loamy, and clay soils with ease.
Maintenance Ease
A resilient, bushy perennial that requires minimal intervention to look great.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Fragrance Level
Mild Fragrance
Pet Safe
No
Growth Habit
Bushy
Mature Height
36-40 inches
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
- Long bloom period from mid-summer to fall
- Fragrant foliage with a minty scent
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Selected for high nectar content
- Drought tolerant once established
- Exclusive High Country Gardens introduction
- Adaptable to various soil types
What customers say
The FlowerKisser Salvia is consistently praised for its impressive reliability and vigor. Gardeners love its stunning dark purple blooms, noting its exceptional ability to attract hummingbirds, making it a true garden standout. This plant establishes quickly and thrives even in challenging hot, dry conditions, showcasing its high quality and hardiness. It reliably delivers low maintenance beauty and dependable performance season after season, proving to be a valuable addition to any landscape.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in full sun to partial sun. For the most prolific blooming, aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Yes, the fragrant, minty foliage is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits. While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, this variety is a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
While it requires moderate water during its first season to establish a healthy root system, it becomes quite drought-tolerant once mature. You will only need to water it occasionally during extended dry spells.
The FlowerKisser Dark Shadows Salvia is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It is a reliable perennial that will return each year within these temperature ranges.
Yes, this salvia is highly adaptable and can thrive in various soil types, including clay, provided the area is well-drained. If your soil is very heavy, amending it with organic matter can help ensure the plant stays healthy.
No, this variety is not considered pet-safe. It is best to plant it in areas of your garden that are not easily accessible to curious cats or dogs.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$16