skip to main content

Cutting back May Night Salvia for 2nd Bloom

11 years ago

Here in Zone 7 May Night is just about finishing it's first bloom cycle. A very warm March pushed an earlier bloom time. Once the first flowering is done, how far down do I cut the salvia to get a second flowering?

1. There are three sets of lateral leaves on each stem. Should I cut the stem down to the third set of leaves that's closest to the ground?

2. Cut the flower stem all the way down to the ground?

3. Cut the stem back to the second set of lateral leaves?

In my early gardening years I recall cutting back a perennial virtually to the ground, leaving just a few leaves. I recall being surprised when a whole new plant grew back. It may have been beginners luck or the right thing to do. Don't recall which perennial it was, but I don't want to take a chance with all my May Night plants and lose them. I'd sure appreciate your advice. Thanks much.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
I don't think it matters. I used to have a whole bunch and took a trimmer to them after bloom. They rebloomed just fine.

However, if you have time and patience, cut them back to the set of leaves below the bloom. There are probably buds formed there already.
summerstar
Original Author
11 years ago
Not all the way to the ground then . . . ???
Related Discussions
Pruning Salvia 'May Night'
Q
Comments (27)
I think it may have more to do with the species. My 'May Night's start to get shaded around 2:00 to 3:00 (depending on which one) and they are all completely upright. They are in lean-and-mean soil. 'Cardonna' is only year 2, but it appears that it will be very upright. It is in rich, moist soil. 'Marcus' is a terrible flopper. It is in lean to average soil and good sun. I used to have a white one, possibly Snow Hill, and it flopped, good soil, good sun. So for me the floppers are S. nemerosa (with the exception of Cardonna). S. sylvestris seems stronger, but I only have one. Not conclusive, but may help point more to species than conditions.
...See More
Does your Salvia Marcus bloom as long as May Night?
Q
Comments (4)
I did get some pretty nice rebloom on my Salvia Marcus plants for two seasons. Unfortunately, they did not return the third season. They were planted in my raised "gravel" bed, so drainage should not have been an issue. Maybe they bloomed themselves to death, which can happen to my plants if cold weather comes too early for them to store some energy for the next year.
...See More
Should I really cut back May Night?
Q
Comments (2)
Thank you, Jean!
...See More
May's night salvia ?????
Q
Comments (1)
DON'T CUT THEM BACK ALL THE WAY. Your plants will probably die. Cut them back no more than 2/3's. Salvia nemerosa blooms primarily in the spring. Cutting back the spent stalks may result in more flowering, but nothing like the initial display. the stalks flower from the bottom up. You may move them anytime after they have finshed blooming. If you move and or divide them when it is hot, make sure to water them well, every day for the first week, every other day for the second week, then twice a week, then once a week. salvia nemerosas are very drought tolerant.
...See More
duluthinbloomz4
11 years ago
I wouldn't cut them to the ground - not here anyway since we have a shorter growing season than you. I do cut them back anywhere reasonable below the old bloom and get a healthy second flush of flowering. Once established, they're pretty resiliant plants.
terrene
11 years ago
I would probably not cut foliage back all the way, as it might weaken the plants to defoliate them like that. Although maybe it would work? Mine always look great with the first flush of blooms, but have never gotten a decent rebloom, whether I sheared it, carefully deadheaded, or left the seedheads on (I actually kinda like the look of the seed heads on some perennial salvia, including this one). Also the foliage always looks ratty by the end of the summer.

It is a durable perennial, because I bought mine in 2005 and they are still going strong. Also the voles haven't touched it, while they decimated the Phlox, Sedum, Echinacea, etc. around them. That is a plus!

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Top 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama

Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Try Blue Bells for Blooms in Dry Soil

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

This shrub’s violet-blue flowers and silvery foliage brighten low-water gardens all year long

HOUSEPLANTS How to Force Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors

By creative jewish mom.com

Enjoy vibrant red blossoms even as gardens turn snowy white, by teaching this hardy repeat performer to ignore the calendar

HOUSEPLANTS Orchids 101: How to Keep Your Moth Orchids Alive and Blooming

By Marianne Lipanovich

Growing Phalaenopsis — and getting it to flower again — is easier than you might think

BEDROOMS The Right Mattress: The Secret to a Great Night’s Sleep

By Sophie Baylis

We spend a third of our lives asleep, so investing in a quality mattress is essential. Check out this expert advice to help you choose yours

FLOWERS Best Cutting-Garden Beauties for Late Summer

By Paintbox Garden

Pick blooms bursting with color or in classic white for bouquets to give away or keep all to yourself

DECORATING GUIDES On Trend: Cut It Out With Norwegian Seating

By Mari Richards

You may find these nipped-out chairs extra full of modern style and comfort, thanks to their savvy designs

MOST POPULAR Spring Gardens Are Blooming — Here’s What to Do in April

By Annie Thornton

Get the guide you need for gardening in your U.S. region, with tasks, climate-appropriate plantings and more

FLOWERS Get Coneflower Blooms All Summer Long

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Plant these 5 native species to bring beauty to the garden — and pollen to the insects — from June through August

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Plants for Colorful Fall Blooms in the Drought-Tolerant Garden

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Want fall color but not a big water bill? Consider these not-too-thirsty fall bloomers

Sponsored

More Discussions

A Year of Bulbs

83

Do you grow sorrel?

7

Your first perennial(s) planted in 2024?

29

Super dark daylilies??

5

Finally broke down and got a DA rose

7