May Night Salvia
Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht'
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Flowering, Fragrant, Disease resistant, Cold hardy, Mosquito Repelling |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 8b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Loamy, Peaty, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Compact, Upright |
| Plant Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Blooms In | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Indoors, Outdoors |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Lamiales |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
In the high heat of the summer, cool tones in the garden are a refreshing visual treat. Use the jewel tones of rich blue flower spikes of May Night Salvia (Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht') to create a marvelous respite.
This easy-care hybrid perennial begs to be used as a winding rich blue ribbon at the edge of your garden walkways and borders. The flowers bloom from late spring onward. Glowing purple stems are loaded with spires of violet-purple flowers that can bloom and rebloom from late spring throughout the summer into fall. May Night flowers feature a depth of color that draws your eye.
This is one of the most popular flowers for butterflies. They will flock to your planting to access an easy nectar feast. Butterflies will enliven your Salvia planting and add color and a delightful sense of motion to your landscape! With its blue-gray, lance-shaped aromatic foliage, May Night makes an attractive accent all summer long. It stays in excellent compact form.
May Night Salvia is a low-maintenance plant that is disease and pest-free. It is a strikingly upright plant with a compact form. You'll adore its high performance and great looks! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 8, these plants grow 18 inches when in bloom and spread about as wide or wider once mature.
Planting and Application:
Use May Night to create interest along a walkway. Simply brushing against the textured foliage releases an herbal fragrance that lingers in the air. They are perhaps at their best when multiple plants are used in mass. After all, you want to see a lot of those beautiful rich blue flower spikes. Plant them as a long, low-edging plant in borders.
This is the perfect plant for home garden perennial gardens or as a mass-fill plant in a commercial landscape. To create a solid low border for edging, plant 2 feet apart on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Mass plantings can be created using a series of zig-zagging staggered rows. Mulch between plants and keep new plantings weeded.
Another way to use this beauty is to create long, skinny drifts near the front of your perennial border. Start with a single plant on either end, then use 2 or 3 plants deep near the center of the drift. Vary the plant spacing from 2 to 4 feet for the most natural results.
Use it to counteract bold shades of other perennials. It coordinates beautifully with just about any hue, from white to yellow to orange, red, and shades of pink. In the ground and in containers and planters, Salvia looks great in any sunny garden!
Use taller perennials or short shrubs as a backdrop and plant groundcover Sedum in front. This deliciously textured look adds season-long interest. You'll love feeding the butterflies and creating a personal oasis for yourself and your family! Your mixed perennial garden gains a dark counterpoint, and creates depth in the Cottage Garden, and even shines in the xeric Rock Garden.
May Night Salvia can be used as a Filler in large container gardens on the patio or porch. Or, try them all by themselves in smaller pots. You'll need to water containers regularly, especially in hot weather. Make sure you cut blooms to bring inside. May Night Salvia blooms are excellent tall and slender cut flower accents! May Night Salvia has a high value for wildlife. It's simply a magnet for butterflies and Hummingbirds, as well as other beneficial insects. Yet, deer tend to leave it alone.
- 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year
- Glowing Violet Blue Flower Spikes
- Dark Gray-Green Low-Growing Mounds Of Aromatic Foliage
- Perennial Salvia Comes Back Year After Year
- Great for Cut & Dried Flowers, Pollinators & Hummingbirds
- Beautiful Filler in Containers, Borders & Edging & Mass Planting
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Give these perennials full sun exposure with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. It needs well-drained soil, but May Night is not particular about soil type or soil pH. A 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the root systems helps to keep them moist and cool and extends the time between watering. Give new plants a moderate amount of water on a regular basis.
Once their roots are established in your native soil, this plant becomes a low-water user. Automatic drip irrigation systems can be your best friend in these situations! However, if you experience an extended period of drought, it's best to provide regular watering. You'll want to protect your investment, after all.
In containers, plant using average potting soil such as Dr. Earth Mother Land Premium Organic All Purpose Planting Mix. To increase bloom time, Salvia should be deadheaded after the first blooms begin to fade. At this time, it can be clipped back hard to rejuvenate the foliage and encourage continuous summer blooming.
- Thrives in Sun, Heat & Humidity
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Any Well-Drained Soil Type
- Prune Back Late Winter or Early Spring
- Deadhead To Encourage New Blooms Spring til Fall
- Deer Resistant, Easy To Grow Perennials
Gorgeous butterfly magnets, fall in love with the deep, delicious color of May Night Salvia. Order yours from the expert growers at Nature Hills today!
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Find on Page
Type to search specs, description, care, FAQ, and shipping.
Other varieties
-
Salvia yangii 'Denim 'n Lace'
Regular price $3569Unit price /Unavailable -
Salvia yangii 'Blue Jean Baby'
Regular price From $1999Unit price /Unavailable -
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland'
Regular price From $1999Unit price /Unavailable -
-
Salvia yangii 'Little Spire'
Regular price From $1999Unit price /Unavailable -
-
-
Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalsbu'
Regular price $3164Unit price /Unavailable
When I received a plan, it was upside down and out of the pot and of course died shortly after I have reached out to customer support several times through emails and voicemails and I have heard nothing back
I painstakingly put in Pam Scutt in Verdi nevada
to be sent to the Verdi address.
You instead sent it to me and now I have to figure out how to get it to her. So no, I am not happy.
Showed up kinda rough. Order of 6 took 3 deliveries over 4 weeks. Plants were root bound and once re-planted took off. Happy now, not so happy at first.
Excellent packaging
Love it thank you
May Night Salvia is a great one to have in the garden. It blooms hard, comes back reliably, and the deep violet spikes bring in pollinators all season. Thanks for sharing, Teri, and enjoy it out there.
Just received my order tonight. I have ordered plants on line for years... I have to tell you never have I seen them so well packed. The pots were even still moist. And the packaging was amazing! No way these babies were going to get damaged!! I can not wait to get them panted tomorrow. I will add further review after they have been growing, but I am so excited about these beauties!!
Hi Janet,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback with us! We are thrilled to hear that your plants arrived in such great condition and that the packaging met your expectations—our team takes so much care in making sure every order travels safely to its new home. It’s fantastic to know the pots were still moist as well; that really helps keep the plants happy during transit.
We can hardly wait to hear how your new beauties grow and thrive once planted! If you have any questions or need tips to help them settle in perfectly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to share advice and ensure your garden flourishes.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Just received my order tonight. I have ordered plants on line for years... I have to tell you never have I seen them so well packed. The pots were even still moist. And the packaging was amazing! No way these babies were going to get damaged!! I can not wait to get them panted tomorrow. I will add further review after they have been growing, but I am so excited about these beauties!!
Hello Janet,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your plants arrived safely and that you appreciated the extra care we put into our packaging. Keeping the soil moist and ensuring the plants arrive in perfect condition is something we take great pride in, so your kind words mean a lot to us.
We’re just as excited as you are to see your new plants thrive once they’re planted! If you ever need any tips on planting or care as they begin to grow, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help. Don’t forget to keep an eye on watering needs and give them plenty of love; those little beauties will repay you with plenty of growth and vitality.
Looking forward to your next update!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Yo me love this plant. Me like the color purple of this plant. it even tastes good it is so hott!!!
Hi The G.,
Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm about the May Night Salvia! We’re thrilled to hear you love its vibrant purple color and even find it tasty—Salvia does have some neat culinary uses, especially certain types like Salvia officinalis (common sage), so it’s great to see your enjoyment of the plant beyond its looks.
For continued success, be sure to plant your May Night Salvia in well-draining soil and a spot that gets plenty of sunshine—it really helps keep those striking blooms vibrant! If you’re interested, you might also enjoy exploring other fragrant or edible sages to expand your collection.
Thanks again for your wonderful review—we’re happy to have plants that bring such zest to your garden and palate alike!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
Our deer do not bother my Salvia plant, Yay!
Hi Gerri,
Thank you so much for sharing your great news with us! We're thrilled to hear that your May Night Salvia is safely thriving without deer bothering it—that truly is a big yay! Salvia is a fantastic choice for adding vibrant color while naturally resisting these garden visitors, and it sounds like it's doing just that in your yard.
If you’re interested in further deer-resistant plants to complement your garden, we’d be happy to provide some recommendations. Also, continuing to mulch and watering regularly will help keep your Salvia healthy throughout the seasons.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Our deer do not bother my Salvia plant, Yay!
Dear Gerri,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the May Night Salvia! We’re thrilled to hear that your deer aren’t bothering your plant—what a relief and a win for your garden. It’s great when nature cooperates like that, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful blooms without worry.
If you ever want to amplify the deer resistance in your garden even further, adding some companions like lavender or ornamental grasses can help create natural barriers. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tips on planting or care – we’re always here to help your garden thrive.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I wanted something for mid summer thru fall. The pictures don't do them justice. They are bright purple!
Dear Doris,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the May Night Salvia! We genuinely appreciate your feedback and couldn’t agree more—the vibrant purple blooms truly do brighten up the garden from mid-summer through fall, making them a standout choice for colorful, extended-season interest. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying them despite also noticing they tend to be “late bloomers.” Some May Night Salvias do flourish a bit later in the season as they settle in and mature.
If you’re looking to enhance their growing conditions for even more prolific blooming, consider planting them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and giving them a light prune after the first flowering – this can stimulate additional blooms and maintain a more compact shape. Also, regular watering (without waterlogging) will keep their vibrant colors popping!
We hope your garden continues to be a delightful popsicle of purple! If you have any questions or want tailored support for your plants, feel free to reach out anytime.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I wanted something for mid summer thru fall. The pictures don't do them justice. They are bright purple!
Dear Doris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the May Night Salvia! We're delighted to hear that its vivid, bright purple blossoms have brought that vibrant pop you were hoping for between mid-summer and fall. You're right—the pictures don’t always capture the full richness and glow that these gorgeous salvias display in full bloom.
For future bloom success, May Night Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, so keeping those conditions in mind will help ensure your plants shine from summer through the cooler months. Plus, deadheading spent flowers can encourage slower, steadier blooming through the season.
If you would ever like tips on companion planting to extend your garden’s seasonality even further or advice on caring for other favorites, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help your garden flourish.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
Yo me love this plant. Me like the color purple of this plant. it even tastes good it is so hott!!!
Hi The Handsome Gardener,
Thank you so much for sharing your excitement about the May Night Salvia! We love to hear how the vibrant purple flowers have brightened your garden, and it’s fantastic that you’re even enjoying its unique, 'hott' taste. May Night Salvia is such a versatile plant—not only does it bring incredible color, but it’s also a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, which truly livens up any outdoor space.
If you’re looking to keep your salvia blooming beautifully, remember it thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and occasional deadheading to encourage continuous flowering. Feel free to explore our planting guides and care tips on the May Night Salvia product page for more summer success. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach back out if you’d like more personalized care tips or companion plant ideas to enhance your garden further!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
