University of Vermont Extension System
Department of Plant and Soil Science

Perennials this Month - January 1997

Dr. Leonard P. Perry, Extension Associate Professor, University of Vermont

Click to see a larger photo.

Plant of the Month: Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night' ('Mainacht'), May Night Sage

family: Lamiaceae, Mint

height x width: 18" x 12"

flowers: violet to deep purple or deep indigo, early summer (cut back for fall rebloom)

hardiness: USDA zones 4-7

interest: *Perennial Plant of the Year for 1997
*bred and introduced in 1956 by the famous German nuseryman and breeder Karl Foerster
*fragrant foliage typical of mint family, finely toothed and hairy about 2-3" long
*forms upright mound, prefers rich soil but tolerates a variety, loves sun
*flowers attract honey bees
*hybrid of S. pratensis and S. nemorosa
*compact, long bloom

More new or proven perennials!

* Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me'--3" flowers bright red with yellow throat, mid-season, rebloomer, fragrant, 18" high
* Lilium 'Mona Lisa'--oriental lily, zones 4-7, 24" high, light pink with red spots, yellow center, good cut flower, fragrant
* Pulmonaria saccharata 'Pierre's Pure Pink'--pale salmon-pink flowers April-May, no blue tinge, nicely spotted leaves, introduction from Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT from Pierre Bennerup

Return to Perry's Perennial Pages