Salvia × sylvestris 'Mainacht' May Night 

This hybrid perennial Salvia is often known as wood sage as it is the result of crossing S. nemorosa and S. pratensis. A clump-forming perennial with opposite, oblong to lanceolate, medium green leaves, Salvia x sylvestris flowers are large, tubular, two-lipped, and are usually blue to lavender purple. Most flowers bloom between late spring and early summer, but sporadic blooms may appear throughout the rest of the summer.

It grows, on average, in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in moist, humusy soils with good drainage and gravelly or sandy soils. Tolerates drought. Plants may repeat bloom throughout the summer but need regular moisture to encourage this. Plants may spread rapidly in optimum growing conditions. Remove spent flower spikes to help extend the bloom period. Plants like cool night temperatures (best performance is north of USDA Zone 7).

Plants may become floppy and open up as the summer progresses, particularly in hot and humid climates. If plants flop or otherwise depreciate in summer to the point where they look unsightly, consider cutting them back to the basal foliage. In any event, cut plants back after flowering has concluded. Propagate from softwood cuttings or division. Some hybrid wood sages are sterile; some will grow from seed but not come true, and a few will come true from seed.

Height: 1.5’-2’
Spread 1’-1.5’
Bloom: May-June
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Origin: Adapted/Asia
Deer Resistant: Yes