Feature Plant: Salvia 'May Night'

Salvia nemerosa  'May Night'

Perennial sages are a beautiful addition to any summer garden and come in a variety of cultivars ranging from 18-24 inches to 2-3 feet in height. One of my all-time favorites for long bloom time and vibrant color is Salvia nemerosa 'May Night'.  This lovely perennial is drought tolerant, deer resistant and is attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.   It was also voted as Perennial Plant of the Year in 1997!   

 

Salvia nemerosa 'May Night' displays deep purple blooms from late May through July on 12-18 inch spikes and is hardy in USDA Zone 3-9. Salvia prefers to be grown in full sun in moist

well-drained soil but are drought tolerant once established. With regular pinching back of spent blooms this beautiful perennial can have a repeat performance all the way through fall. For more information on maintaining salvia visit: Pruning-Salvia-A-Simple-How-To .

Salvia 'May Night' New Growth

Salvia is easy to propagate through stem cuttings or division of a mature plant.  The best time to divide is in early spring before new foliage starts to appear. It is recommended to apply a layer of mulch around the new planting and keep it well watered until established.

Salvia 'May Night' in Perennial Garden

Companion perennials for Salvia 'May Night' include Stella D Oro Daylily, Coreopsis 'Zagreb' or Sedum 'Brilliant' for a vibrant display of color. Companion shrubs include 'Gold Mop' Cypress and 'Rosy Glow' Barberry as seen here in the backdrop (left). Try out this perennial for a lovely addition to your landscape! 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. AllRights Reserved.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day April 2011

Garden Gal April

Welcome to spring in the northeast. The temperatures are finally rising upwards into the 50's and 60's and the blooms are starting to pop. We are running approximately two weeks behind this year but the constant covering of snow that we have had all winter has supplied much moisture. The plantings seem to be having a good start.

Inspired by the quote, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” by Elizabeth Lawrence, Carol at May Dreams Gardens hosts Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month gardeners from all over the world walk out into their gardens to note what is currently blooming.

Lets start the tour!



Forthysia in Bloom

The forthysia and PJM Rhododendron are in full bloom and looking lovely. The hyacinths are blooming too.
  

PJM Rhododendron




Pink Hyacinth

One of my favorite spring flowering trees is Prunus subhirtella "Pendula' or Weeping Cherry.  It is now beautifully displaying its blooms in Mid-April.

 

Weeping Cherry

The Star Magnolia is displaying its lovely pure white blooms.  One of my favorite things to do is walk around the yard and catch the subtle perfume fragrance the Magnolia gives off.


Star Magnolia

The catkins of the Weeping Pussy Willow are now bursting with life and soon leaves will start to emerge. 

Weeping Pussy Willow

The Coral bark Maple is starting to show signs of life. Each day the buds grow larger and the branches display a pinkish hue against the afternoon sky.

Coral Bark Maple Buds

This is a wonderful time of year when all the gardens come to life.  Bloom Day is a wonderful day of the month to be more aware of the changes going on in the garden. Be sure to visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens and check out all the other wonderful blooms that are emerging.

Happy Gardening!  Happy GBBD