Black and Blue Sage
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
Black and Blue
About this plant
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant deep blue flowers with dark calyces, creating a dramatic contrast. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it popular in gardens. The plant has aromatic leaves and a bushy growth habit, often used as a focal point or border plant.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Salvia
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Lamiales
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in gardens across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, originally native to South America.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- -7 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 15–25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 8–11
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, enriched garden soil
Watering. Water regularly during the growing season to keep soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and again mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.
This plant is fairly easy to care for and grows quickly. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought once established but benefits from regular watering. Watch for pests like aphids and keep an eye on soil moisture to avoid root rot.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Division, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer–fall
Showy deep blue tubular flowers with dark calyces, aromatic green foliage, upright bushy form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, safe to grow around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' produces pollen that can cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as sneezing or itchy eyes. People with pollen allergies should consider planting it away from windows or outdoor seating areas to reduce exposure.
Common problems
Overwatering can cause root rot, and aphids or spider mites may occasionally appear. Insufficient sunlight can reduce flowering.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds. Also used in garden borders and containers.
Notes
Prune back in early spring to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead stems. Repotting is rarely needed unless grown in containers. Protect from frost in colder climates.