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Salvia nemorosa Mainacht - Woodland Sage

Salvia nemorosa Mainacht
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary

4,5/5
52 reviews
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Out of the 11 plants received between March and May 2023, only 5 are still alive in May 2024.

Christine, 04/05/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Beautiful, floriferous, and hardy perennial sage, with clusters of intense blue-violet flowers in tight spikes appearing from early June and continuing until September. This sage is distinguished by its resistance to wind and sea spray, as well as its lanceolate, slightly grey foliage. Easy to grow anywhere in the UK.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time May to September
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Description

Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht' is a variety of wood sage that is particularly early and floriferous, offering beautiful clusters of intense blue-violet flowers in dense spikes appearing from early June, sometimes in May, and continuing on the plant until September. This sage is distinguished by its resistance to wind and spray, as well as its lanceolate, somewhat grey foliage. Easy to grow, it is one of the hardiest salvias, and as such a fantastic garden perennial that will not disappoint.

 

Salvia nemorosa is a perennial from the Lamiaceae family. It is a species native to central Europe and western Asia. 'Mainacht' is one of its many cultivars. Its adult size will not exceed 60cm (24in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width. This perennial develops from a prostrate rosette of ovate, rough, grey-green leaves with dentate edges that are 10cm (4in) long. It has a bushy, heavily branched, and sturdy habit. Flowering takes place from June to September, in terminal clusters composed of numerous small flowers (0.5 to 1cm (1in)) that are slightly bluish-violet with purple bracts. This blend of colours is bright and deep. The beautiful nectar-rich flower spikes follow one another all summer long and delight butterflies. The leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, are ovate or lanceolate, oblong, notched, wavy, and greyish-green. The base of the stems is often reddish.

 

This wood sage has the advantage of flowering first, and it will continue to bloom until late summer if faded inflorescences are removed. It withstands everything, even wind, cold, heat, and poor soils. It will look stunning alongside pale-yellow flowering plants like Anthemis 'Wargrave', or a yellow rose for a strong contrast. It will also work well with grey foliage of artemisias in dry soil, or purple foliage like that of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' in moister soil. It pairs well with pink-flowered plants like the shrubby Lavatera 'Barnsley' or Penstemon 'Evelyn'. It is also perfect for mass plantings and borders with Perovskia or perennial geraniums.  

 

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and woody shrubs distributed throughout the globe, except for very cold regions and tropical forests, the Salvia genus is the richest in the Lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, which dates back to Roman times, derives from the Latin salvus, meaning "healthy", a reference to the medicinal properties of common sage.

Salvia nemorosa Mainacht - Woodland Sage in pictures

Salvia nemorosa Mainacht - Woodland Sage (Flowering) Flowering
Salvia nemorosa Mainacht - Woodland Sage (Foliage) Foliage
Salvia nemorosa Mainacht - Woodland Sage (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time May to September
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 12 cm
Fragrance Fragrant, herbaceous and flowered
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Salvia

Species

nemorosa

Cultivar

Mainacht

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference814222

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Planting and care

Plant from October to March, outside of freezing periods, with a spacing of 40cm (16in). Plant in well-drained, even stony, soil. Place in full sun. This plant can tolerate some drought. It does not appreciate heavy and waterlogged soils in winter, which can harm its hardiness. In winter, apply a light compost of manure or other organic matter. Prune it back to 30cm (12in) at the end of winter before the start of vegetation. Beware of snails and slugs that can attack young shoots. In cool climates and in humid regions, use a mineral mulch (gravel, pumice, pebbles) with a thickness of 4 to 6cm (2in) to drain the collar of the plant. Under these conditions, it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). To preserve the vitality of the sage, it is good to divide the plant after 3 years. Plant the new plants in well-worked soil. To improve slightly poor soil, mix in some horticultural compost.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery, Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Rocky, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Regularly remove faded stems to promote and stimulate the emergence of new stems. Cut back the clump in winter, before the start of vegetation.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April, July to August
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,5/5

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