Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’
Overview
Uses: Perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, mixed beds, mass plantings, cut flower gardens
Benefits: Deep violet-blue flower spikes, long bloom window, sturdy upright habit, excellent pollinator attraction, dependable perennial performance
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Mature Height: 18–24 inches
Mature Width: 18–24 inches
Bloom Season: Late spring–early summer, with repeat bloom
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Salvia ‘May Night’ delivers rich, saturated color and clean structure with upright spikes of deep violet-blue flowers that stand out in any sunny garden.
Blooming heavily in late spring and early summer, this classic perennial often produces a second flush when trimmed back after its first bloom. Dark stems and narrow green foliage provide contrast even when not in flower, making it an excellent backbone plant in mixed borders.
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, ‘May Night’ is both ornamental and functional. Its reliable habit, strong stems, and long-standing garden performance have made it a staple in perennial landscapes for decades.
Care
Salvia ‘May Night’ Care
Grow Salvia ‘May Night’ in full sun for the best flowering and strongest growth. It prefers well-drained soil and performs poorly in consistently wet or heavy conditions.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant and only needs supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilization is minimal; if desired, apply a light application of slow release fertilizer in spring.
Shearing back spent flower spikes after the first bloom can encourage reblooming and helps maintain a compact, tidy appearance. Cut plants back in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges.
Size
What Size is Salvia ‘May Night’ for Sale Online?
Plants are shipped in grower pots as healthy, well-rooted perennials. Size may vary depending on the time of year and growing conditions. If you have specific questions about current plant size, please contact us.
How Large Does Salvia ‘May Night’ Grow?
At maturity, Salvia ‘May Night’ typically reaches 18–24 inches tall and spreads 18–24 inches wide, forming a full, upright clump well suited to borders and mass plantings.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Salvia ‘May Night’ is commonly known as meadow sage and is sometimes called woodland sage.
Is Salvia ‘May Night’ attractive to pollinators?
Yes. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the bloom period.
Does Salvia ‘May Night’ rebloom?
It often does. Cutting back spent flower spikes after the initial bloom can encourage a second round of flowering later in the season.
How does ‘May Night’ compare to other perennial salvias?
‘May Night’ is known for its especially deep flower color and sturdy stems, which help it maintain an upright habit compared to looser or floppier salvia varieties.
