Anise-scented sage 'Argentina Skies' Salvia guaranitica 'Argentina Skies'

Water

The Anise-scented sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot but should not become completely dry. It's better to water this plant in the morning, directing water towards the base to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. An established plant typically requires around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.

Light

Anise-scented sage thrives in full sun to light shade. The ideal location would provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window where it gets ample light. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade can prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Anise-scented sage grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 10°F, making it capable of surviving in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. However, it will flourish and produce the most flowers at the higher end of its temperature range.

Pruning

Pruning the Anise-scented sage promotes bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Cut back the plant in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage and again in mid-summer if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can extend the blooming period. The best time for major pruning is in spring after the last frost.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Blue Anise Sage prefers a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A perfect soil mix for this plant would be a combination of garden soil, compost, perlite, and peat moss to ensure both moisture retention and adequate drainage.

Repotting

Blue Anise Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Springtime is the ideal period for repotting to encourage vigorous growth during the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Blue Anise Sage thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity without significant adverse effects.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, fertile well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia guaranitica 'Argentina Skies', commonly known as Argentine Skies Salvia, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, requiring warmth and moisture to sprout. Seedlings then develop, giving rise to lush foliage which is typically rich in nectar, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds during its growing season. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in late spring or early summer, producing striking blue flowers that continue to bloom into the fall. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As temperatures drop in late fall or early winter, this perennial begins to die back to the ground, entering dormancy. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, Argentine Skies Salvia emerges from its root system, ready to start the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Blue Anise Sage, commonly known as Salvia guaranitica 'Argentina Skies', is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This method is most successful during its active growth period in spring or early summer. To propagate Blue Anise Sage by cuttings, one would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch length, making sure there are at least a couple of nodes present. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a blend of moist potting soil and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. It should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and begin to show new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.