Black & Blue Salvia – Blue Anise Sage
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black & Blue’
Other Common Names: Black and Bloom Salvia
Plant Details & Attributes
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7a-10a Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Perennial
Height at Maturity: 36-48″ in ground, 24-30″ in containers
Width at Maturity: 36-48″
Spacing: 30″ for solid hedges or mass plantings
Growth Habit / Form: Bushy, Upright
Growth Rate: Fast
Flower Color: Deep Cobalt-Blue
Flower Size: 1″
Flowering Period: May to Frost!
Flower Type: Single
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Emerald Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: No
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Part Shade
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (Moderately Acid to Slightly Alkaline)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Rabbit
Description
If you are looking for flowering plants that are absolutely sure to draw hummingbirds, Black & Blue Salvia is a “must-have” plant for your garden! A hardy perennial in USDA Zones 7a-10a, Black & Blue Salvia can be grown in garden beds or containers. In zones north of 7a, you can grow it as an annual or in containers that can be overwintered indoors.
Salvia Black & Blue, also known as Blue Anise Sage, is a large-growing perennial plant that reaches about 4 to 5 feet in height with an equal spread. Perfectly designed for hummingbirds, the tubular deep cobalt-blue flowers, which look like an opened pelicans beak, are produced in abundance from late spring through early winter. This selection of the hardy salvia differs from the norm in that the calyx (the little cup that holds the open flower) is black instead of the usual green! Hence the name ‘Black & Blue’.
Note: We noticed recently (2021) that a Salvia guarantica called “Black & Bloom” popped on to the scene. From what we can tell, this “new” variety is identical to what we’ve been offering for decades as ‘Black and Blue’ Salvia (Anise Sage).
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, Black & Blue Salvia is ideal for growing in garden beds or large pots, planters and other containers of 18 inches or more in diameter. Plant near patios, decks, porches and other outdoor living spaces where the unusual flowers can be enjoyed from close up, and the hummingbirds feeding too! A fine addition to hummingbird gardens, perennial gardens, wildflower gardens and cottage gardens.
Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a, where this Salvia variety is not reliably winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.
Growing Preferences
A hardy perennial in USDA Zones 7a-10a, Black & Blue Salvia prefers a moist but well-drained soil and likes full sun to partial shade. Flowering will be heavier and plants more dense with more sun. It is tolerant of short dry periods when growing in the ground however will appreciate an occasional deep soaking when temperatures are high and weather is dry. This plant will let you know when it needs water. If the leaves start wilting, give it a soaking and the plant will perk right back up!
Helpful Articles
Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts for how to plant and care for Salvia plants.
How To Plant Perennial Salvia & Sage Plants
How To Fertilize & Water Salvia & Sage Plants
How To Prune Salvia & Sage Plants
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Questions? Contact Us!
Wow, I have been buying on line all during covid to start my new garden. This plant and all the ones I have received are well boxed and shipped. The unusual varieties they offer and beautiful plants when delivered will keep me a long time happy customer. This color on this Salvia is gorgeous. It is now on my butterfly/ hummingbird garden. Would definitely recommend this company to friends.—————————–Wow!! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Received my plant yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised. The packing was exceptional and the condition of the plant upon arrival was perfect. Not only that, the plant was huge and extremely healthy looking. I have been in search of a black and blue Salvia for a few years now. I am satisfied and will definitely be ordering from this company again.——————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
I ordered 2 of the sages. They arrived in perfect condition. Very well packaged. Will order again from this company!—————————-Hi Lora, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Black And Blue Salvia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
I don’t know how you guys do it…my black and blue salvia arrived today and I was gobsmacked by the fantastic packaging. But the plant itself was perfection. I have never seen one this big, full, and healthy. You all are the best in the business! I would order more but a teacher’s pension only goes so far. But I will be back. Thank you so much for my lovely plant.———————————–Hi Sheryl, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Black and Blue Salvia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for great review!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Wow. Ordered 2 of these and they arrived well packaged and are the lushest plants I have ever received through the mail. Well done! Will definitely be ordering from you guys again!————————————Hi Mark, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Black and Blue Salvia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words.
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens































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