← Plant Guides

How to Grow Anise Sage

Wikimedia Commons

Anise Sage

Salvia guaranitica

shrub

Anise Sage is a tender perennial shrub native to South America, prized for its vibrant deep blue to purple tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. The plant reaches 3-5 feet tall and features aromatic foliage with a subtle anise scent when brushed. It blooms prolifically from midsummer through fall in temperate climates.

When should you plant Anise Sage in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Anise Sage timeline →

Example Anise Sage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Anise Sage

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Anise Sage

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Anise Sage dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates part shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first bloom from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as container; direct seed surface sow (light-dependent germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Perlite or sand for drainage Organic matter to retain moderate moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-11; grows as tender annual in cooler zones

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

Sign up free to see if Anise Sage grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Anise Sage timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate and slow initial growth

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. May take 2-3 weeks to show vigorous growth.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops sturdy stems and increasingly bushy foliage; leaves deepen in color with aromatic properties becoming more pronounced

Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and bushier shape. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Ensure good air circulation. Continue regular watering.

3

Flowering

8-12 weeks (can extend to frost in mild climates)

Terminal flower spikes emerge in deep blue-purple, 2-3 inch tubular blooms arranged in whorls; flowers open sequentially from bottom to top

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide consistent water during bloom period. Apply balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Stake if needed for tall varieties.

4

Fruit/Seed Development

3-4 weeks after flowering

After pollination, small nutlets develop inside spent calyxes; seeds mature as flowers fade if left unpruned

Allow some flowers to remain for seed development if desired. Continue regular maintenance. Seeds dry on plant and can be collected for propagation.

5

Dormancy/Overwintering

Varies by climate; 2-4 months in cooler zones

In zones 8-9, plant may lose leaves or die back during cold months; in warmer zones, growth slows significantly

In cold zones, mulch heavily or bring container plants indoors before first frost. Reduce watering considerably. In warm zones, prune back by 1/3 in late winter to encourage spring growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Russian Sage Black-eyed Susan Gaura Catmint Desert Marigold Penstemon Lavender Coreopsis

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil (Hydrangea, Hosta) Plants preferring shade (Hostas, Ferns) Brassicas in food gardens (potential allelopathic effects)

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5-7 days; encourage natural predators

  • Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove affected leaves

Uses

🦋

Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

The tubular deep blue flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and pollinator conservation. Plants can attract dozens of hummingbirds during peak bloom season. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

The striking blue-purple flower spikes make exceptional cut flowers for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets. Stems hold up well in water for several days and add vertical interest to displays. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Gardening & Landscaping

Household

Anise Sage serves as an outstanding specimen plant, backdrop planting, or focal point in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and xeriscape designs. Its height and form create architectural interest in garden compositions. [source]

💊

Traditional South American Herbalism

Medicinal

In its native regions, Salvia guaranitica has been used in traditional medicine for digestive and respiratory support, though safety and efficacy are not well-established in modern research. The plant contains alkaloids and should not be used without expert guidance. [source]

🍳

Anise-Scented Garnish (Limited Use)

Culinary

Occasionally used as an ornamental garnish or flavoring agent in South American beverages and teas, though modern consumption is limited due to alkaloid content. The foliage has a pleasant anise-like aroma when crushed. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Anise Sage is not typically harvested for culinary use due to safety concerns about alkaloid content. For ornamental purposes, deadhead flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut stems can be brought indoors for fresh arrangements; flowers typically last 2-3 days in water.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Anise Sage is native to Paraguay and Argentina, where it grows as a perennial shrub in subtropical climates; the species name 'guaranitica' references the Guaraní people of the region
  • 🌱 Hummingbirds are so attracted to this plant that it is sometimes called 'Hummingbird Sage'; a single well-established plant can support multiple hummingbirds throughout the blooming season
  • 🌱 Unlike many salvias, Anise Sage is relatively tender and will not survive hard freezes; however, it can be easily propagated from seed or cuttings, allowing gardeners in cold zones to regrow it annually

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Pinch Back Pollination True Leaves
Shop Anise Sage plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Anise Sage planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Anise Sage seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Anise Sage timeline →