How to Grow Magic Fountain
Wikimedia Commons
Magic Fountain
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
shrubMagic Fountain is a striking ornamental sage featuring deep blue flowers with contrasting black calyxes that bloom prolifically from summer through fall. This tender perennial shrub is prized for its vibrant color, long bloom season, and ability to attract hummingbirds and pollinators. It grows as a bushy, upright plant typically reaching 3-4 feet in height.
When should you plant Magic Fountain in your zone?
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Example Magic Fountain timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Magic Fountain
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 Magic Fountain
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Magic Fountain dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or container plant in zones 8 and colder
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge from soil; plant is delicate and small (1-2 inches)
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with oval, lance-shaped leaves; no flowers yet; reaches 6-12 inches
Water regularly, pinch tips to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure full sun exposure.
Pre-flowering
3-4 weeksPlant continues to fill out and mature; reaches 18-24 inches; flower buds begin to form at stem tips
Continue regular watering and feeding. Maintain full sun. Pinch back if needed to control shape.
Flowering & Blooming
2-4 months (summer through frost)Plant produces abundant spikes of deep blue flowers with black calyxes from summer to frost; reaches full 3-4 foot size
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Feed with bloom-boosting fertilizer monthly. Monitor for pests.
Dormancy/Harvest
1-4 months (winter)In zones 8-10, plant may slow or pause blooming during cold months; in zones 9-11, may continue blooming; foliage remains attractive
Reduce watering in winter. In cold zones, prune back in spring or bring container indoors. In warm zones, light pruning maintains shape.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water mist, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce ladybugs
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Remove with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab, spray with neem oil, isolate infested plants
Uses
Ornamental Garden Display
OrnamentalMagic Fountain's stunning deep blue and black flowers make it a focal point in borders, mixed plantings, and container gardens. The long bloom season from summer to frost provides months of continuous color. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and supporting beneficial insects. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftMagic Fountain's tall flower spikes add height and striking color to fresh and dried flower arrangements, providing unique texture and visual interest to bouquets. [source]
Container & Patio Growing
HouseholdMagic Fountain thrives in containers, making it perfect for patios, balconies, and decks in cooler zones. Containers can be moved indoors in winter or used as an annual display. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, the flowers are edible and can be used as garnish for beverages and desserts, adding visual appeal and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. [source]
Harvest Tips
Magic Fountain is grown for ornamental flowers, not food. Harvest flowers for fresh arrangements by cutting stems in the morning when flowers are fully open. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage more blooms. Remove spent flowers regularly (deadhead) to prolong blooming season throughout summer and fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Magic Fountain is technically a tender perennial native to South America (Brazil and Paraguay), making it frost-sensitive but capable of returning year after year in warm climates
- 🌱 The contrasting black calyces and deep blue flowers create an almost magical appearance, especially when backlit by morning or evening sun—hence the 'Magic Fountain' name
- 🌱 Hummingbirds find Magic Fountain irresistible; a mature plant can attract dozens of hummingbirds during peak blooming season
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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