Salvia nemorosa 'May Night'Garden sage(syn. Mainacht)
May Night is an outstanding perennial with excellent cold hardiness, vigor, and tolerance to heavy clay soils. Blooming in late spring with a profusion of deep purple flower spikes, it reblooms later in the summer when deadheaded.
Zones 4 - 9 Advantages
Deer Resistant
Attract Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Annual Rainfall
10 to 20", 20 to 30", 30 to 40"
Bloom Time Late spring to late summer
Plant Description
Tall spikes of indigo blue flowers top compact mounds of soft, green foliage. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it! This showy perennial is excellent for mixed borders, flower beds and patio containers. Thrives in areas where spring and summer nights remain cool. Herbaceous perennial.
Height18-24 Inches
Spread12 Inches
Bloom ColorViolet BlueUSDA Hardiness Zone 4-9Garden sage Interesting NotesThe Perennial Plant Association's 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year™
The genus Salvia is a large one, containing over 700 species of both annual and perennial plants. Some members of this genus are commonly called "sages", both ornamental species and the many culinary salvias. Salvias are a member of the Mint family and share the families' characteristics of square stems; simple, oval or lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins and whorls of flowers produced on spikes.
Many gardeners are familiar with the annual bedding plant salvia or the culinary salvia, but it is definitely worth exploring some of the ornamental perenial species too. All salvias grow best in well drained, evenly moist soil with full sun.
Salvia nemorosa has many beautiful cultivars. 'May Night' salvia was selected the Perennial Plant of the Year for 1997. It has a long blooming period with vibrant blue flowers, grows up to 18 inches tall and has a compact growth habit. The striking violet-blue flowers are very attractive when set against a light colored background or when mixed with white, yellow or orange flowers. 'May Night' is a hybrid salvia and will not come true from seed, but can be propagated from division or cuttings. It is hardy to Zone 4. - University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension
Salvia comes from the Latin salvere, meaning to heal or save.
The leaves are aromatic when crushed.
Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' Growing and Maintenance TipsPrefers average, clay or sandy, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought, heat and humidity tolerant. Shear after blooming to prompt fresh foliage and flowers. May need winter protection. May be used as a perennial border, rock gardens or in mass plantings.
Key Characteristics & Attributes
Deer Resistant
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Full Sun
Summer
Dry
Average
Fragrant
Drought TolerantAdditional InformationSoil Moisture Needs
•Well-DrainedPropagation Type
•VegetativeAttributes
•Dry Sun
Taxonomy, Plant Type for May Night Salvia PlantsPlant taxonomists have a difficult time deciding on the botanical name for 'May Night' salvia plants. All of the following scientific names for the plant pictured in the photo here seem to be acceptable:
'May Night' is the cultivar name. Its common name is sometimes given as "meadow sage." Why "sage?" What does this plant have to do with the culinary herb, sage that figures so prominently in Thanksgiving dinners for Americans as a flavoring ingredient in stuffing? Well, the culinary herb and the perennial flower featured here belong to the same genus. The botanical name for the herb is Salvia officinalis.
May Night salvia plants are herbaceous perennials.
Traits, Plant CareMay Night salvia was named the 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year™ by the Perennial Plant Association. The organization makes a selection each year (in 2017, the honor goes to Asclepias tuberosa) based on the plants' having the following traits:
The lance-shaped leaves, many feel, add to the vigorous appearance of the plant.
If you remove the spent blooms, May Night salvia plants will flower all summer long. Such long-blooming perennials are a joy to grow for gardeners who care about sequence of bloom.
Growing Conditions, Planting Zones for May Night SalviaGrow May Night salvia flowers in an area with full sun and with a well-drained soil. Although drought-tolerant perennials once established, a moderate amount of water must be supplied to young plants.
May Night salvia flowers are best grown in planting zones 5-9.
Uses, Wildlife It Attracts, Pest ControlMay Night salvia flowers may be used in cut-flower arrangements, and the dried leaves are sometimes used in potpourris. Some folks eat the young, tender leaves in salads or, alternatively, include them for seasoning in cooked dishes (they are not, however, everyone's cup of tea). But most importantly, the long blooming period of May Night salvia makes it a workhorse in the perennial bed. This fact, along with the rich color of the flowers, constitutes the main reason for growing this perennial.
Plants that attract butterflies, these popular perennials will also draw hummingbirds and bees to your landscaping.
Deer pests, by contrast, are not attracted to May Night salvia plants, making them useful in Bambi-plagued regions as deer-resistant perennials. In fact, most growers in the North will not have any significant pest problems with these plants. However, scale insects and white fly have been known to attack salvias. If either of these insect pests bother your plants, spray them with Neem oil, a popular product for organic pest control.
May Night is an outstanding perennial with excellent cold hardiness, vigor, and tolerance to heavy clay soils. Blooming in late spring with a profusion of deep purple flower spikes, it reblooms later in the summer when deadheaded.
Zones 4 - 9 Advantages
Deer Resistant
Attract Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Annual Rainfall
10 to 20", 20 to 30", 30 to 40"
Bloom Time Late spring to late summer
Plant Description
Tall spikes of indigo blue flowers top compact mounds of soft, green foliage. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it! This showy perennial is excellent for mixed borders, flower beds and patio containers. Thrives in areas where spring and summer nights remain cool. Herbaceous perennial.
- Overview
Light Needs:
Full sun
Watering Needs:
Water regularly in extreme heat; less often, once established.
Average Landscape Size:
Fast growing 18 to 24 in. tall and wide.
Key Feature:
Showy Flowers
Blooms:
Early to midsummer.
Landscape Uses:
Border, Container, Cutting Garden, Rock Garden - Detail
Botanical Pronunciation:SAL-vee-uh
Plant type:Perennial
Deciduous/evergreen:Herbaceous
Growth rate:Fast
Average landscape size:Fast growing 18 to 24 in. tall and wide.
Special features:Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Bird Friendly, Compact Form, Easy Care, Waterwise
Foliage color:Gray-green
Blooms:Early to midsummer.
Flower color:Purple
Flower attributesFlowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers
Garden styleCottage
Companion PlantsBlanket Flower (Gaillardia); Black-Eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia); Coneflower (Echinacea); Blue Fescue (Festuca); Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum) - Care
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Tolerates periodic drought when established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Remove spent flowers to encourage repeat bloom. Shear annually after flowering.
Light Needs:
Full sun
Watering Needs:
Water regularly in extreme heat; less often, once established. - History & Lore
History:
Also known as Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht'. Salvia x sylvestris is a hybrid perennial salvia originating primarily from crosses between S. nemorosa and S. pratensis.
Lore:
Salvia x sylvestris is often commonly called wood sage. The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin word salveo meaning to save or heal, in reference to the curative properties attributed to some plants in this genus. The hybrid name of sylvestris comes from Latin meaning of or pertaining to forest or wood.
Height18-24 Inches
Spread12 Inches
Bloom ColorViolet BlueUSDA Hardiness Zone 4-9Garden sage Interesting NotesThe Perennial Plant Association's 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year™
The genus Salvia is a large one, containing over 700 species of both annual and perennial plants. Some members of this genus are commonly called "sages", both ornamental species and the many culinary salvias. Salvias are a member of the Mint family and share the families' characteristics of square stems; simple, oval or lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins and whorls of flowers produced on spikes.
Many gardeners are familiar with the annual bedding plant salvia or the culinary salvia, but it is definitely worth exploring some of the ornamental perenial species too. All salvias grow best in well drained, evenly moist soil with full sun.
Salvia nemorosa has many beautiful cultivars. 'May Night' salvia was selected the Perennial Plant of the Year for 1997. It has a long blooming period with vibrant blue flowers, grows up to 18 inches tall and has a compact growth habit. The striking violet-blue flowers are very attractive when set against a light colored background or when mixed with white, yellow or orange flowers. 'May Night' is a hybrid salvia and will not come true from seed, but can be propagated from division or cuttings. It is hardy to Zone 4. - University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension
Salvia comes from the Latin salvere, meaning to heal or save.
The leaves are aromatic when crushed.
Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' Growing and Maintenance TipsPrefers average, clay or sandy, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought, heat and humidity tolerant. Shear after blooming to prompt fresh foliage and flowers. May need winter protection. May be used as a perennial border, rock gardens or in mass plantings.
Key Characteristics & Attributes
Deer Resistant
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Full Sun
Summer
Dry
Average
Fragrant
Drought TolerantAdditional InformationSoil Moisture Needs
•Well-DrainedPropagation Type
•VegetativeAttributes
•Dry Sun
Taxonomy, Plant Type for May Night Salvia PlantsPlant taxonomists have a difficult time deciding on the botanical name for 'May Night' salvia plants. All of the following scientific names for the plant pictured in the photo here seem to be acceptable:
- Salvia x superba 'May Night'
- S. x superba 'Mainacht' (its name in Germany, where the plant began)
- S. x sylvestris 'May Night'
- S. nemorosa 'May Night'
'May Night' is the cultivar name. Its common name is sometimes given as "meadow sage." Why "sage?" What does this plant have to do with the culinary herb, sage that figures so prominently in Thanksgiving dinners for Americans as a flavoring ingredient in stuffing? Well, the culinary herb and the perennial flower featured here belong to the same genus. The botanical name for the herb is Salvia officinalis.
May Night salvia plants are herbaceous perennials.
Traits, Plant CareMay Night salvia was named the 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year™ by the Perennial Plant Association. The organization makes a selection each year (in 2017, the honor goes to Asclepias tuberosa) based on the plants' having the following traits:
- "Suitable for a wide range of growing climates"
- "Require low maintenance"
- "Have multiple-season interest"
- "Are relatively pest/disease-free"
The lance-shaped leaves, many feel, add to the vigorous appearance of the plant.
If you remove the spent blooms, May Night salvia plants will flower all summer long. Such long-blooming perennials are a joy to grow for gardeners who care about sequence of bloom.
Growing Conditions, Planting Zones for May Night SalviaGrow May Night salvia flowers in an area with full sun and with a well-drained soil. Although drought-tolerant perennials once established, a moderate amount of water must be supplied to young plants.
May Night salvia flowers are best grown in planting zones 5-9.
Uses, Wildlife It Attracts, Pest ControlMay Night salvia flowers may be used in cut-flower arrangements, and the dried leaves are sometimes used in potpourris. Some folks eat the young, tender leaves in salads or, alternatively, include them for seasoning in cooked dishes (they are not, however, everyone's cup of tea). But most importantly, the long blooming period of May Night salvia makes it a workhorse in the perennial bed. This fact, along with the rich color of the flowers, constitutes the main reason for growing this perennial.
Plants that attract butterflies, these popular perennials will also draw hummingbirds and bees to your landscaping.
Deer pests, by contrast, are not attracted to May Night salvia plants, making them useful in Bambi-plagued regions as deer-resistant perennials. In fact, most growers in the North will not have any significant pest problems with these plants. However, scale insects and white fly have been known to attack salvias. If either of these insect pests bother your plants, spray them with Neem oil, a popular product for organic pest control.