How to Grow Blue Storm
Blue Storm
Salvia guaranitica 'Blue Storm'
shrubBlue Storm is a compact cultivar of Anise Sage featuring deep blue-purple flowers that bloom prolifically from summer through fall. This tender perennial shrub is prized for its vibrant color, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract hummingbirds and pollinators. It grows as a compact, bushy plant that works well in containers, borders, and pollinator gardens.
When should you plant Blue Storm in your zone?
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Example Blue Storm timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Storm
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Storm
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Storm dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; grows as an annual in colder zones or tender perennial in containers
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; delicate and light green
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves; no flowers yet
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Water regularly. Begin fertilizing weekly with balanced fertilizer. Provide full sun.
Branching & Budding
3-4 weeksPlant becomes fuller and wider; flower buds begin forming along branch tips
Continue pinching if more compact growth desired. Increase phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage blooming. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (summer through frost)Abundant deep blue-purple tubular flowers appear in terminal spikes; hummingbirds and bees visit
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain regular watering and fertilizing. Enjoy peak bloom season.
Senescence & Dormancy
Variable (fall/winter)Flowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage may yellow in frost-prone areas
In warm zones, reduce watering and fertilizing. In colder zones, bring containers indoors or treat as annual. Cut back dead wood in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate if needed.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Uses
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe tubular blue-purple flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making Blue Storm an excellent plant for supporting native wildlife and creating a vibrant pollinator garden. Blooms continuously throughout warm months when pollinators are most active. [source]
Aromatic Foliage
CulinaryThe leaves have a pleasant anise or licorice-like aroma that can be used to steep for tea or infuse into beverages. Some gardeners use small amounts of foliage to flavor salads or desserts, though it is primarily grown ornamentally. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalSalvia species have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for various purposes. Blue Storm's foliage may have mild antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, though it is not commonly used medicinally compared to other Salvia species. [source]
Fresh & Dried Arrangements
CraftThe striking deep blue-purple flower spikes are excellent for fresh floral arrangements and can be dried for long-lasting dried flower displays. The vibrant color adds visual interest to cottage-style and pollinator-themed garden designs. [source]
Ornamental Garden Accent
HouseholdBlue Storm serves as an outstanding accent plant in mixed borders, container gardens, and xeriscape designs. Its compact growth habit and long blooming period make it ideal for both ground-level plantings and elevated containers on patios. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Blue Storm is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest, but you can deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. Pinch off flowers for fresh arrangements if desired. Cut back plant by one-third in spring to rejuvenate growth and promote bushiness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blue Storm was developed as a more compact and floriferous cultivar of Salvia guaranitica, which is native to South America and was traditionally used by Guaraní people.
- 🌱 The deep blue-purple color of the flowers is rare among flowering plants and is highly attractive to hummingbirds, which can perceive ultraviolet patterns invisible to human eyes on the petals.
- 🌱 Salvia guaranitica is also known as Anise Sage because of the subtle anise-like aroma of its foliage, distinguishing it from other sage species with different scent profiles.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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