Salvia nemorosa 'Noche'

Strongly attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a top choice for pollinator gardens.

Deer and rabbit resistant due to the plant’s aromatic oils and rough-textured leaves.

Provides reliable summer forage for beneficial insects in both home gardens and ecological landscapes.

Spring: New basal foliage forms; early buds appear in late spring.

Summer: Peak bloom from late May through July; rebloom possible after trimming.

Fall: Reduced flowering; foliage remains aromatic and tidy until frost.

Winter: Dormant period; cut back spent stems before new growth emerges in spring.

Pollinator and butterfly gardens

Cottage and perennial borders

Rock gardens and sunny slopes

Xeriscape or drought-tolerant landscapes

Mass plantings or edging along paths

Container gardens for vibrant seasonal color

Type: Deciduous, aromatic foliage that forms dense basal rosettes.

Shape: Lanceolate to ovate leaves with finely toothed margins.

Texture: Slightly rough and wrinkled surface; strong herbal scent when crushed.

Color: Deep green foliage that remains fresh and compact throughout the season.

• Color: Intense velvety deep violet-purple blooms with dark, almost black calyces — darker than the classic ‘May Night’.
  
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  Bloom structure: Dense, vertical flower spikes approximately 10–14 inches long, rising above the foliage mound.
  
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  Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer with strong potential for rebloom after pruning.
  
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  Fragrance: Lightly aromatic, especially in warm weather.
  
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  Overall effect: Dramatic color saturation and refined, upright habit — superb in borders and modern landscapes.
  

• Best planting time: Spring or early fall when the soil is warm and workable, allowing strong root establishment before temperature extremes.
  
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  Site selection: Choose a sunny, open location with free-draining soil. Avoid low or boggy spots that hold water after rain.
  
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  Hole preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth to the container. Loosen soil on the sides and bottom for easy root penetration.
  
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  Soil enrichment: Mix compost or aged organic matter into the backfill to enhance fertility and drainage, particularly in heavy clay soils.
  
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  Planting depth: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with surrounding soil — never deeper.
  
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  Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of bark, compost, or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch 2 inches away from the crown.
  
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  Spacing: Plant 18–24 inches apart to allow full spread and good air circulation.
  

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  Initial watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
  

After blooming: Cut spent flower spikes to just above the foliage to encourage a second flush of blooms in late summer.

Seasonal maintenance: In late fall or early spring, cut the plant back to 2–3 inches above the crown to stimulate vigorous new growth.

Dividing: Every 3–4 years, divide mature clumps in spring to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out.

Regular deadheading promotes continuous flowering and a tidy habit.

Establishment: Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) during the first growing season to help roots establish.

Mature plants: Once established, ‘Noche’ is highly drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Overwatering or poor drainage can cause fungal issues or crown rot.

Mulching aids in moisture retention and temperature moderation.

• Requires full sun for optimum growth and flowering — at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  
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  Can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter regions, but shade reduces bloom density.
  

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  Strong sunlight enhances stem strength and deepens the rich purple flower color.
  

Flowers can be cut for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements; harvest when blooms are half open for best color.

A light feeder that performs well in average garden soil.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or organic compost once in early spring when new growth begins.

Avoid excess nitrogen — it can lead to lush foliage with fewer flowers.

Supplemental feeding mid-summer after the first flush of blooms may encourage reblooming.

• Performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils.
  
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  Adaptable to loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soils; tolerates poor, rocky ground if drainage is adequate.
  
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  Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.8).
  
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  Avoid heavy, consistently wet soils that cause crown or root rot.
  

Pollinated primarily by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds attracted to its nectar-rich tubular flowers.

Flowers are self-fertile, though cross-pollination by insects ensures better seed development.

Long bloom period provides an extended nectar source during late spring and summer.

• Complements a wide range of drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials:
  
  
  Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ – soft yellow contrast to purple spikes.
  
  
  Echinacea purpurea – matching heat tolerance and pollinator appeal.
  
  
  Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ – lavender tones and continuous bloom synergy.
  
  
  Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ – bright warm colors offset the deep violet flowers.
  
  
  Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Perovskia atriplicifolia, or Lavandula angustifolia – excellent textural and color pairings.
  
  
  Festuca glauca or dwarf ornamental grasses for a soft, complementary texture.