The genus Salvia contains many ornamental forms, including this one on the Herbaceous Beds.
A compact perennial, Salvia x nemerosa ‘Mainacht’ produces dense panicles of blue-purple flowers from late spring into summer. The square stems grow to 75cm in height, and bear lance-shaped, roughly textured, hairy leaves. Two-lipped flowers, typical of the genus and mint family to which it belongs, are highly attractive to bees. This is one of several cultivars of S. x nemerosa, which are all suitable for cultivation at the front of a border in in full sun and well-drained soils. The genus Salvia (sage) contains approximately 900 species of annuals, biennials, perennials and shrubs from across the globe. Members of the genus are often aromatic, releasing a scent from the crushed foliage, and many are known for their herbal and medicinal properties, while others are highly regarded for their ornamental value.