Plant Guide

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Salvia nemorosa 'May Night'

Common Name

Meadow Sage
CA Native

Non-native
Plant Type

Perennial
Size

18" x 24"
Flower Color

Violet-Blue
Bloom Time
- Fall
- Summer
Leaves

Dark Green, Lance-Shaped, Aromatic
Evergreen

Deciduous
Deer Resistant

Rarely Damaged
Wildlife Value
- Attracts Beneficial Insects
- Bees
- Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
- Hummingbirds
Growth Rate

Fast
Hardiness

Hardy
Adverse Growth Factors

None
Special Features
- Low Maintenance
- Showy Flowers
Water Use
- Low
Soil pH

5.5-6.4 (acid)
Exposure
- Full Sun
Soil Type

Not Particular
Drainage

Good Drainage
Description and Cultural Plant Tips

This cultivar has long spikey blooms of violet-blue on long purple-red stems. It was named "Plant of the Year" in 1997 by the Perennial Plant Association. This is a compact plant that will bloom all summer into the fall if deadheaded regularly. 'May Night' flowers can be used in cut flower arrangements and the fragrant dried leaves can be used in potpourri. The tender, young leaves can also be used in salads. Looks good in perennial borders, rock gardens, mass plantings and containers. Plant with Achillea 'Moonshine' or Gaura and pink Coneflowers for long term color show.

Plant in a sunny, well-drained part of your garden slightly above soil grade. Make sure you deadhead spent flowers to keep this plant blooming.

This plant is very attractive to bees, butterflies and other nectar-eating insects.

No serious pests or diseases.
Master Gardener Comments

This is one of the workhorses of my garden. The first bloom is really impressive and will continue to bloom into the fall if deadheaded.
Varietals

S. nemorosa 'Caradonna' - regal purple colored flowers