Wood Sage

About this plant

Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night' (also known as 'Mainacht') is a celebrated perennial, renowned for its extraordinary display of rich, violet-blue flower spikes that rise gracefully above a compact mound of aromatic foliage. This exceptional cultivar holds the prestigious Perennial Plant of the Year award, a testament to its vigorous growth, extended blooming period, and robust nature. Ideal for sunny borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings, 'May Night' creates a stunning visual impact, attracting a delightful array of pollinators to your garden. Its tidy habit and continuous bloom make it a versatile choice for both formal and informal landscapes, effortlessly enhancing any outdoor space with its striking color and texture. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'May Night' is incredibly low-maintenance once established, tolerating heat, drought, and even deer. For a burst of season-long color and an easy-care solution, this Salvia is truly a cut above the rest.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back hard in late fall or early spring to promote vigorous new growth. Fertilize lightly in spring.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.