Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' is a vigorous perennial known for its deep violet flower spikes and aromatic green foliage. Blooming from late spring through summer, it creates long lasting vertical interest in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator friendly landscapes. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well drained soil, offering low maintenance color and attracting beneficial insects throughout the season.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' is a cultivated variety derived from European meadow sage species. It is widely adapted to temperate garden conditions but is not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees which efficiently pollinate surrounding plants.
Butterflies
- Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Red Admirals visit abundant violet flower spikes for nectar.
Hoverflies
- Hoverflies are drawn to blooms and help control aphids and other soft bodied pests in the garden.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow full bloom display and healthy airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and mass plantings for long lasting color.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Tall, daisy like blooms create a complementary color contrast and attract pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Fine textured yellow blooms enhance visual contrast with violet salvia spikes.
- Ornamental Grasses (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') - Adds vertical texture and structural interest next to compact salvia mounds.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Fragrant purple flower spikes harmonize with deep violet Salvia and attract bees.
- Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint) - Aromatic foliage and lavender blue flowers provide extended bloom period alongside salvia.