The vertical spikes of Salvia uliginosa provide seasonal interest in the Bee Borders.
A member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, the genus Salvia contains approximately 900 species of annuals, biennials, perennials and shrubs from around the world. Many have aromatic leaves, though some have a more desirable scent than others, and many are valued for their ornamental qualities. Salvia uliginosa is a slender, clump-forming perennial with narrow, toothed leaves which become less abundant up the stem. It first starts producing flower in late summer, and will continue to produce intense, pale blue flowers until the first frost. A native of Brazil, it enjoys moist soil, and the specific name uliginosa means of swamps and damp places.