in bloom
now
through Oct
Bloom calendar
May Night
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Meadow or wood sage (often sold as Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’)
- Height × spread: 18-24 in × 12-18 in (45-60 cm × 30-46 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring with summer rebloom after deadheading
- Color & flower form: deep violet‑blue spikes
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable (foliage)
- USDA hardiness: 4-8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: Perennial Plant of the Year 1997 (PPA)
- Cut‑flower notes: upright stems; good cut when freshly opened
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Much hardier to cold than tender blue salvias.
- Blooms early in the season with fast rebloom if deadheaded.
- Compact, clumping habit fits narrow borders.
Strengths
- Cold hardy and durable in zones 4-8.
- Deer tolerance commonly noted.
- Long display with repeat bloom.
- Performs in average, well‑drained soils.
Care in one minute
Site: full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot zones.
Soil: average, well‑drained; neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Water: moderate; consistent moisture improves rebloom.
Feeding: light spring fertilizer only if soils are poor.
Grooming: deadhead promptly; shear after first flush for compact regrowth.
Overwintering: leave basal foliage for winter protection; cut back in early spring.
Watch‑outs
- Stems may flop in high heat and humidity; shear to reset.
- Powdery mildew can occur in crowded plantings.
- Declines in poorly drained or waterlogged sites.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Widely sold under the trade name ‘May Night’ and frequently listed botanically as Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’, a hybrid allied to S. nemorosa.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ MAY NIGHT
- Chicago Botanic Garden – Salvias overview and trials
