Buy salvia May Night Salvia × sylvestris 'Mainacht'

Salvia × sylvestris 'Mainacht'

sage ( syn. Salvia May Night )

Save to wishlist

A compact, hardy perennial producing dense spikes of deep violet-purple flowers from early to mid-summer, standing out against dark green, finely toothed foliage.

This reliable salvia is perfect for the front or middle of a sunny herbaceous border, where its upright habit and long-lasting blooms provide structure and colour.

Salvia × sylvestris 'Mainacht' thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates dappled shade, making it a versatile choice for mixed planting schemes.

Dark stems and reddish bracts enhance the richness of the flowers, adding depth to garden displays. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, it’s an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

How to care for Salvia × sylvestris Mainacht:

When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.

To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.

In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.

Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.75m

Eventual spread:

0.45m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.