Anise-Scented Sage Black & Bloom, Blue Anise Sage Black & Bloom, Brazilian Anise Sage Black & Bloom
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black’ is as tough as nails. It blooms from late spring until frost. The flowers grow on thin, dark stems that rise above a thicket of ovate green leaves. Aromatic, the foliage exudes a soft anise scent when bruised. Easy and fast-growing, this plant is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds but is ignored by hungry deer. Evergreen in warm winter areas, Anise-Scented Sage thrives in heat, drought, and humidity and requires very little attention.
Salvias are beloved garden plants, with their colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Black and bloom salvias offer a dramatic twist on the usual salvias, with dark calyces contrasting vibrantly with the colorful blooms To keep your black and bloom salvias looking their best, there are some important care tips to know With the right growing conditions and pruning, these salvias will thrive and add vivid flair to gardens and containers.
An Overview of Black and Bloom Salvias
Black and bloom refers to a flower trait seen in some salvia varieties where dark calyces surround the colorful blooms. The dark calyces provide striking contrast that makes the flowers pop. Popular black and bloom salvias include:
- Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Bloom’ – Vibrant blue flowers with deep black calyces and stems
- Salvia ‘Amistad’ – Rich purple blooms with black stems and calyces
- Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ – Velvety purple flowers with black bracts
These are tender perennials hardy in zones 8-10. They grow fast in heat and bloom spring to fall. With proper care black and bloom salvias make a big impact in borders and containers.
Key Growing Conditions for Black and Bloom Salvias
To keep your black and bloom salvias thriving happily, provide the following care:
Sunlight
- Give salvias full sun to light shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun is best.
Soil
- Well-draining soil is crucial – salvias hate wet feet. Sandy loam or chalk enriched soil is ideal.
Water
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Water 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to partly dry out between waterings.
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Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot.
Temperature
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Salvias relish heat. Optimal daytime temps are 70-90°F.
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Not frost hardy. Bring indoors or protect if temps dip below 50°F.
Fertilizer
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Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growth.
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Avoid high nitrogen formulas which cause leggy growth.
Pruning
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Cut back any dead stems or spent flower spikes throughout the season.
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In spring, cut back by a third to regenerate growth.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some potential issues and solutions for black and bloom salvias:
Wilting, browning leaves
- salvias prone to wilting from too much water. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Leggy growth
- Give more sun. Pinch back tips to encourage bushy form.
Few blooms
- Feed, prune back frequently, and deadhead spent flowers.
Black spots on leaves
- Leaf spot fungus – improve air circulation and don’t overcrowd plants.
White cottony coating
- Mealybugs – wipe away by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Perfect Companions for Black and Bloom Salvias
Here are some excellent companion plants for black and bloom salvias:
- Other salvias like Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’
- Verbena bonariensis
- Blanket flower (Gaillardia)
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Lantana
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Butterfly bush (Buddleia)
Enjoy the Vibrancy of Black and Bloom Salvias
With their spires of eye-catching color emerging from inky dark calyces, black and bloom salvias add incredible drama to the garden. Follow these care tips to keep your plants healthy and floriferous. Sit back and enjoy the vivid interplay of light and dark as hummingbirds flock to their nectar-rich blooms. Let black and bloom salvias bring striking beauty and contrast to your garden this season!
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Alternative Plants to Consider
‘Black and Blue’ Salvia (Salvia guarunitica) Growing Information for Home Gardens
What is black & bloom Salvia?
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality. Black & Bloom Salvia, Stalks of dark blue and blue flowers emerge from striking black stems amidst green foliage. A real show-stopper that thrives in high heat
Is Salvia guaranitica a perennial?
Tough as nails, Salvia guaranitica ‘Black & Bloom’ (Anise-Scented Sage) is a lovely perennial featuring showy spikes of vibrant dark blue flowers emerging from black calyces. Blooming from late spring to frost, the blossoms rise along slender, dark stems above a lush clump of ovate green leaves.
Is Salvia a perennial?
A tall perennial to 120cm tall, forming a wide clump of stems bearing dark green ovate leaves and loose spikes of vivid cobalt blue flowers, contrasting with black calyx, and opening in mid-summer and autumn Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs.
How do you grow a Salvia plant?
For best results, plant this salvia in the full sun to part sun in loose, well-draining soil. Once established, this plant will tolerate drought. Attracts hummingbird and other pollinators and is resistant to deer. Use in the traditional garden design, in large groupings for a powerful impact or in a container.