Salvia verticillata

This is a Salvia which is widespread throughout central Europe and Western Asia. A very attractive, hardy species, this has several forms, the best known being Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'. Up to 2 ft. tall with a width of 4 ft., this is a useful plant for a herbaceous border, best replaced every 2 or 3 years as it can become untidy. It sets seeds, which could be considered to be a nuisance, but seedlings can easibly be eradicated. There is a dirty white form of this salvia, but I cannot recommend it.