Lyreleaf Sage

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout', a standout cultivar of the native Lyreleaf Sage. This exceptional perennial boasts deeply lobed, almost black-purple basal foliage that maintains its intense color through much of the growing season, providing continuous visual interest even when not in bloom. In spring, airy spikes of delicate violet-blue flowers emerge, attracting a host of beneficial pollinators. 'Purple Knockout' is incredibly adaptable and low-maintenance, thriving in a variety of conditions once established. Its compact, clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for front-of-border plantings, rock gardens, or as a vibrant groundcover. The unique foliage provides a stunning contrast against brighter green plants, making it a versatile addition to mixed perennial beds. Beyond its beauty, Lyreleaf Sage plays a vital ecological role, supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar for bees and butterflies. Choose 'Purple Knockout' for a plant that delivers both unparalleled aesthetics and environmental benefits, ensuring a cut above addition to your garden.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage a tidier appearance and potential rebloom. Can self-seed; remove unwanted seedlings or trim before seeds mature if spread is not desired.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.