Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout' (Purple Knockout Lyre Leaved Sage)

Provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators in spring
Songbirds feed on seed
Shiny deep burgundy leaves
Good ground cover for moist soil
Very easy to grow

Full sun loving and moist soil tolerant, this aromatic plant is a relatively unknown but strong performer that brings a boatload of hungry butterflies and birds to the American Beauties garden. Deep green leaves emerge in spring to form a basal clump of foliage with a distinctively sharp sage smell. Stems emerge through the foliage and rise above loaded with buds that open in late May to whorls of 1" long purple flowers that form a colorful spike above the plant well into late June. Butterflies enjoy its nectar while goldfinches find the seed from spent flowers an absolute summer delight. Plant this in full sun and in groups to compound its landscape power and the amount of critters it attracts.

Hardiness Zone 5-8

Height 18-24 in
Spread 12-15 in