Salvia lyrata 'Purple volcano'
(Cancer Weed, Lyreleaf Sage)
Origin: Hybrid
Family: Lamiaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 10-12"
Spacing: 12-14"
Blooms: White, small, flower spikes, mid-Summer
Foliage: Showy burgundy, bushy
Soil: Well-drained, highly alkaline neutral, poor, tolerates drought
Water: Regular-low
Uses: Hummingbird garden, butterfly garden, Winter interest, edging, groundcover, borders, containers
Propagation: Seeds, rootball divisions
Caution: Plant can be invasive
Comments: Salvia lyrata 'Purple Volcano' or Cancer Weed or Lyreleaf Sage is a perennial with a low growing habit. It is of hybrid origin. Cancer Weed 'Puple Volcano' has showy burgundy foliage which stands out in the sun but in the shade the leaves are green. In mid-Summer, Salvia lyrata 'Purple Volcano' produces small white flower spikes atop bushy showy burgundy leaves, followed later by seeds. Cancer Weed is easily propagated from seeds or rootball divisions. It thrives best in well-drained, alkaline to neutral moist soil in a sunny emvironment. Lyreleaf Sage is low maintenance and can tolerate drought when established. It self-sows readily so deadhead spent flowers to avoid volunteers next season; deadheading also promote more blooms. Mass plant Salvia lyrata 'Purple Volcano' for an eye-catching border or as edging plants. It can also be container cultivated. Cancer Weed makes an exquisite foliage plant. It is very showy and it attracts attention.
USDA Zones: 6-10
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Salvia lyrata 'Purple Volcano' (Cancer Weed, Lyreleaf Sage) growing in Jenny's Garden
