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A striking plant for the herbaceous border producing masses of flower stems topped by spikes of violet-purple flowers from early-to midsummer. Unlike many salvias it's perfectly hardy, growing back year after year. The felty leaves are about 3cm (1.5in) long and half as wide, and finely toothed with pronounced veining. It can either be grown among other upright plants, or be used to contrast with more angular, architectural groupings. It looks particularly good planted next to shrubs and perennials with with dark or silver leaves.