SALVIA Midnight Rose

Description and Characteristics

Salvia 'Midnight Rose' is a striking, compact perennial salvia noted for its vivid magenta-pink flowers paired with rich green foliage and upright dark stems. A member of the Salvia x hybrida group, this cultivar offers exceptional garden performance, blending bold colour, tidy structure, and long flowering into a reliable, low-maintenance package.

Reaching approximately 40–50 cm in height and spreading 35–45 cm, ‘Midnight Rose’ produces sturdy, upright flower spikes from late spring through to autumn, often flowering well into the first frost with regular deadheading. Its aromatic foliage, continuous blooming, and excellent drought resistance make it a versatile choice for borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

• Bright magenta-rose flowers held on upright dark stems

• Compact, clump-forming perennial with bushy habit

• Aromatic foliage; excellent drought tolerance once established

• Long flowering season from May to October

• Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators

• Hardy to approx. -5°C (USDA Zones 7–10); may need protection in colder climates

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Salvia 'Midnight Rose' thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is especially effective in dry gardens or low-input landscapes. It’s ideal for both formal and informal designs, requiring little more than sun, drainage, and occasional pruning to perform at its best.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (at least 6 hours per day) to maintain compact shape and maximum flowering

  • Tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates, though blooms may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Suitable for sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils

  • Avoid clay-heavy or boggy ground—amend with compost or grit if needed

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the establishment phase (first season)

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant; water only during extended dry periods

  • Avoid frequent shallow watering—encourage deep root development

• Fertilising:

  • Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote early-season growth

  • Supplement with a liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during flowering if desired

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can promote excessive leafy growth over blooms

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming season

  • After the first major flush, cut back flowering stems by one-third to encourage new blooms

  • In early spring, cut the whole plant down to just above new growth to remove winter damage

• Mulching and Winter Protection:

  • Apply a mulch in late autumn to protect the roots in colder regions

  • In frost-prone areas, consider overwintering in a greenhouse or cold frame, or using fleece covers

Design Applications, Companions, and Pest Resistance

‘Midnight Rose’ is both showy and resilient, making it a standout in a variety of garden styles—from vibrant cottage plantings to minimalist Mediterranean schemes. It’s a top choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting summer colour with minimal effort.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for sunny borders, raised beds, and patio containers

  • Ideal in pollinator gardens, gravel gardens, and low-water landscapes

  • Works well planted in groups or drifts for bold colour and rhythm

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with nepeta, echinacea, gaura, coreopsis, geraniums, and ornamental grasses

  • Strong visual impact when contrasted with silver foliage such as artemisia or stachys

  • Complements warm-toned and pastel colour schemes

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

  • Deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its aromatic foliage

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Naturally resistant to most pests

  • May occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in humid conditions—ensure good airflow

  • Avoid overhead watering to minimise disease risk

• Container Tips:

  • Perfect for medium-sized pots or mixed container displays

  • Use a gritty, peat-free compost with added drainage

  • Water deeply but infrequently—avoid letting containers sit in standing water

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.