Salvia 'April Night'

Salvia nemorosa Sallyrosa™ April Night, commonly known as April Night Meadow Sage, is an exciting upgrade on salvia ‘May Night’.  It blooms a month earlier than May Night with electric blue-violet flower spikes in early spring. The blooms continue into summer on much stronger stems than other varieties. It has slender, aromatic, gray-green leaves that remain attractive all summer.  

April Night appears erect and bushy, forming a compact clump about 1 foot wide. The flowers attract beneficial pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is drought, mildew, and heat resistant, and not palatable to deer or rabbits. Plant it in groups to create a vibrant swath of color in a perennial border or cut-flower garden. It is also an excellent choice for a showy container planting on a porch or patio. 

April Night appreciates full sun exposure with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It grows best in evenly moist, well-draining soil, but it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Overly rich soil can cause the stems to flop. Water it regularly during the summer months to maximize blooming. Consider applying organic compost around the root zone to conserve moisture. 

Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. Shear down to basal growth after flowering to promote growth of fresh foliage. This plant can be divided every 3 – 5 years in early spring.  For planting in groups, space individual plants approximately 12 inches apart on center, in staggered rows.For container planting, select a frost-proof pot at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes.