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Plant Profiles / Salvia 'May Night'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Salvia 'May Night'
Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht' · Woodland sage, May Night salvia
A compact perennial with dense spikes of deep violet-blue flowers from late spring. Long-flowering, bee-friendly and tough.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Drought tolerant once established.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Good airflow helps.
Temperature
-30–35°C (-22–95°F)
CoolWarm
Very cold hardy.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 45–60 cm.
Soil
Well-drained
LeanRich
Average soil.
Fertiliser
Light, spring
RarelyOften
Little feeding needed.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
'May Night' was bred in Germany and named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1997. It forms a neat clump and repeats flowering if deadheaded. It loves sun and handles dry conditions.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, borders, cottage gardens and pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Salvia nemorosa 'Mainacht' |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Garden hybrid (Europe & Asia parents) |
| Plant type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature size | 45–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Aromatic grey-green leaves |
| Flowers | Violet-blue spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Deadhead
Cut back
Divide
FloweringDeadheadCut backDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Floppy centre | Too much shade or rich soil. Cut back after flowering. |
| Mildew | Poor airflow. |
| Few repeat flowers | Not deadheaded. |
| Rotting crown | Wet soil. |
| Short-lived plants | Divide every few years. |
Common questions
How do I get more flowers?
Cut spent spikes back to the leaves.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it attract bees?
Yes.
Does it die back?
Yes, in cold winters.
