How to Grow Black and Blue Salvia

Black and Blue Salvia

Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'

herb

Black and Blue Salvia is a striking ornamental sage featuring deep purple-black calyces and vivid blue flowers that bloom prolifically from summer through frost. This tender perennial is prized by gardeners for its dramatic color contrast and exceptional appeal to hummingbirds and pollinators. It grows as a shrubby mound and is ideal for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates)

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Water: Moderate; water when top inch of soil is dry. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, which promotes fungal issues.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds (light-dependent) or plant transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost perlite sand for improved drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 8-11; grow as an annual in cooler zones or overwinter indoors

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and tender

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops bushy, multi-stemmed growth habit with lance-shaped green leaves

Pinch stem tips at 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Maintain consistent watering. Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Terminal flower spikes begin forming; dark purple-black calyces become visible

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and shift to a bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus). Continue regular watering.

Flowering

10-16 weeks (until frost)

Abundant tubular blue flowers emerge from black calyces in striking color contrast; continuous blooming

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water regularly during hot weather. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with bloom formula.

Late Season/Dormancy

Variable (until frost or spring)

Flowering continues until first hard frost; plant may be cut back or overwintered indoors

In zones 8-9, mulch heavily for potential winter survival. In cooler zones, cut back and bring indoors or allow to die back. Reduce watering if overwintering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Artemisia Russian Sage Catmint Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Lantana Verbena Gaura

Avoid planting near:

plants requiring consistently moist soil dense shade-loving plants

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if needed.
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Uses

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Herbal Tea and Infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves make a fragrant, slightly peppery herbal tea with mild medicinal properties. The flowers are also edible and add ornamental appeal to tea presentations. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Medicine

Medicinal

Guarani peoples have traditionally used Salvia guaranitica for respiratory health and digestive support. Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Hummingbird and Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

The tubular blue flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this plant essential for pollinator gardens and supporting beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]

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Garden Design and Ornament

Household

The striking black and blue color combination adds dramatic visual interest to borders, mixed plantings, and container gardens. Excellent for creating focal points and modern garden aesthetics. [source]

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Cut Flowers and Dried Arrangements

Craft

Tall flower spikes are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and retain their color when dried, making them suitable for dried floral crafts and long-lasting displays. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pinch or cut stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Harvest fresh leaves anytime for culinary use. Cut back plant by one-third in early summer if it becomes leggy. For seed saving, allow some flowers to mature and dry on plant; collect seeds when calyces are completely brown and dry.

Fun Facts

🌱 Black and Blue Salvia is native to Argentina and Paraguay, where it's called 'Anise Hyssop' by local indigenous peoples despite being a true sage.
🌱 Hummingbirds are so attracted to this plant that it will draw them reliably to gardens throughout the summer and early fall, often becoming their favorite nectar source.
🌱 The plant can bloom continuously for up to 5 months in ideal conditions, producing hundreds of flowers and making it one of the longest-blooming salvias for ornamental gardens.

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