Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Late summer to autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.8m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Lamiaceae
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ is a fast growing, tall, deciduous, perennial sub shrub. Its light green leaves are ovate with serrulate margins, up to 4cm long and 3cm broad. Its leaves emit an anise scent when crushed. Its dark blue flowers are 4cm in length and appear in terminal spikes which are up to 30cm long. Its roots produce underground runners which aids its spread.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Salvia guaranitica, commonly known as Anise Scented Sage or Hummingbird Sage, is native to most of South America.
The etymological root of the binomial name Salvia is derived from the Latin salvare, meaning to ‘heal’, in reference to the use of Salvia vulgaris as a medicinal plant. Guaranitica is named after the Paraguay Guarani people.
The landscape architect may find Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ useful as part of a herbaceous planting scheme, benefiting from the support of other plants to keep a tidy, upright appearance. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ flowers are attractive to some pollinating insects and hummingbirds.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
