Salvia 'April Night'

Salvia nemorosa 'April Night': Early Bloomer, Lasting Beauty

One of the earliest Salvias to flower, 'April Night' kicks off the season with rich indigo-blue spikes that rise above compact mounds of aromatic foliage. Blooming in late spring—weeks ahead of most perennial Salvias—it often reblooms with a light trim, offering colour well into summer. Dense and tidy in habit, it’s a pollinator magnet that fits effortlessly into small gardens, mixed borders, and drought-tolerant plantings. A reliable performer with excellent mildew resistance and tidy form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–35 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Late spring with repeat bloom into summer
• Foliage: Deep green, aromatic, and finely textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soils

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for edging, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly beds, 'April Night' offers early-season colour just as the garden wakes up. Its low, clump-forming shape works well in formal layouts or casual combinations, and it’s a dependable early nectar source for bees. Tolerant of drought and deer, this is a low-maintenance gem that earns its keep in every sunny garden.

Companion Plants: Pair Salvia 'April Night' with the strawberry-red umbels of Achillea 'Strawberry Seduction', the upright burgundy-tinged blades of Panicum 'Shenandoah', and the ground-hugging colour of Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' for a layered, sun-loving mix that thrives in dry soils and delivers interest from spring through fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Shear back lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom. Cut back fully in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour.

History: A selection of Salvia nemorosa, 'April Night' was bred for compact habit and unusually early flowering. Its dependable performance and repeat bloom have made it a favourite for both home gardeners and landscape designers seeking early colour in low-maintenance settings.

Final Thoughts: Compact, colourful, and early to rise, Salvia 'April Night' brings a welcome spark to the spring garden and keeps on giving well into summer. A small plant with a big impact—perfect for the front of the border and pollinator-friendly designs.