How to Grow Salvia Black and Blue
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Salvia Black and Blue
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
flowerA stunning ornamental sage with deep purple-black calyxes and striking blue flowers that bloom prolifically from summer through fall. This tender perennial is prized for its dramatic bicolor blooms and ability to attract hummingbirds and pollinators. It grows as a bushy, upright plant reaching 3-4 feet tall.
When should you plant Salvia Black and Blue in your zone?
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Example Salvia Black and Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Salvia Black and Blue
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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First Salvia Black and Blue blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Salvia Black and Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall delicate leaves emerge, plant is tender and low-growing
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Protect from strong wind.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and increasingly fills out with lance-shaped green foliage
Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure.
Budding
2-3 weeksFirst flower spikes appear with dark purple-black buds at stem terminals
Continue regular watering. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (summer through fall)Spectacular tubular blue flowers with deep purple-black calyxes bloom abundantly along spikes
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently. Feed bi-weekly with diluted fertilizer or blooming formula.
Decline
Variable with climateFlowering slows as temperatures drop in late fall and winter
In zones 9-11, cut back by half in late fall to promote spring regrowth. In colder zones, treat as annual and remove plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil if infestation is severe
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Improve air circulation, reduce overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed
Uses
Herbal tea and beverages
CulinarySalvia guaranitica flowers can be used fresh in herbal teas and beverages, offering a mild, slightly floral flavor. The attractive blooms make stunning garnishes for drinks and desserts. [source]
Pollinator and hummingbird attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Planting Black and Blue Salvia helps support pollinator populations. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
CraftThe striking bicolor blooms are excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements, adding dramatic color and texture to bouquets and displays. Flowers last well in water (7-10 days). [source]
Ornamental garden specimen
HouseholdThis stunning plant serves as a focal point in flower beds, borders, and containers throughout the growing season. Its upright form and vivid blooms make it a garden showstopper. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalSalvia species have been used traditionally in South American herbalism. While less common than other salvias for medicinal use, it shares some properties with other Salvia varieties. [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 flowers or cut stems for fresh arrangements throughout the blooming season. Harvest in early morning when stems are turgid. Cut stems about 1/3 of the way down to encourage bushier growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Black and Blue' cultivar is a Brazilian native that has become extremely popular in hummingbird gardens, with the striking color contrast between the deep purple-black calyxes and brilliant blue flowers creating a jewel-like appearance.
- 🌱 Salvia guaranitica is named after the Guaraní people of South America, where several species of Salvia are native and have been used traditionally for centuries.
- 🌱 This plant can bloom prolifically from mid-summer through the first frost in colder climates when grown as an annual, providing months of continuous color and pollinator activity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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