Black and Blue Salvia, Anise Sage

Description

Beautiful, deep blue flowers emerge from spikes of black calyxes on this exquisite perennial Salvia all summer and fall against a backdrop of rich deep green foliage. Black and Blue Salvia, an Anise Sage and selection of Salvia guaranitica, is a highly sought after nectar plant for hummingbirds and may also be visited by larger butterflies. This easy and reliable perennial Salvia slowly spreads by rhizomes to create a tall groundcover like effect up to about 3' high but may remain shorter in drier poorer soils. Provide a full to mostly sunny position in an average moist to moist,average to well-drained, moderately fertile soil for maximum vigor and flower production. Easy and reliable.

Periodic deadheading is not required but may help to keep the plants looking fresher. Where not hardy the plants can be overwintered in containers in an area preferably with direct sunlight but very high indirect sunlight should also suffice and the containers should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods to prevent the soil from freezing which can potentially kill the plant's crown.

Salvias are considered the #1 plant for Hummingbirds with their tubular flowers designed for pollination by these amazing flyers. If your Salvia or Sage starts to look unkempt in mid to late summer consider giving it a light shearing or remove the spent flowering spikes to help promote new growth and flower production. An application of fertilizer at this time may also be beneficial in spurring flower production.