Black and Blue Sage Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
ABOUT
The 'Black and Blue' Sage showcases a striking display with its vivid deep blue flowers which are nestled in black calyxed whorls. These blossoms are arranged in elongated clusters at the tips of the stems, drawing the attention of onlookers and attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. The foliage presents a lush contrast, with its ovate to lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a rich green hue. These leaves are typically veiny and have a somewhat rough texture, adding to the tactile experience of the plant. The overall visual appeal of 'Black and Blue' Sage is one of bold color contrasts, with the intense blue of the flowers popping against the dark calyces and the green leaves. This creates a dramatic and tropical effect in the garden, making the plant a favorite for gardeners who wish to introduce a splash of color and a sense of exotic charm to their outdoor spaces. The striking combination of colors ensures that this plant stands out wherever it is placed, brightening borders, pots, or flowerbeds with its showy presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Blue Anise Sage, Brazilian Sage, Sapphire Sage
Common names
Salvia guaranitica.
ToxicityTo humans
The Black and Blue Salvia is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting parts of this plant. Nevertheless, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming non-culinary plants as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Black and Blue Salvia is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets would experience poisoning symptoms after ingesting this plant. However, as with humans, it is recommended that pets are prevented from eating ornamental plants to avoid potential digestive upset or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - The vibrant blue flowers of Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Long flowering season - Its blooming period extends from mid-summer to fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Deer resistance - The plant is typically resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to your garden.
- Easy to grow - It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once settled in the right conditions.
- Aesthetic appeal - The contrasting black stems and vibrant blue flowers create a striking visual effect in garden beds and borders.
- Herbaceous perennial - As a perennial, it regrows every spring, thus eliminating the need for annual replanting.
- Versatility in landscaping - Can be used in various garden designs, including cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and as a focal point in borders or containers.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Salvia guaranitica has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: It contains compounds that may act as antioxidants, aiming to protect cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The vibrant blue flowers of the 'Black and Blue' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- In perfumery: Although not commonly used, the subtle scent of the flowers could be harnessed in the creation of perfumes.
- Bioindication: The presence of 'Black and Blue' in the wild can indicate a healthy and undisturbed ecosystem due to its preference for specific growing conditions.
- Culinary garnish: The striking flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add a pop of color to salads and desserts.
- Hobby photography: The plant's striking colors make it a popular subject for garden photographers and enthusiasts.
- Drawing and painting inspiration: Artists may use 'Black and Blue' as a subject for botanical illustration or as inspiration for color palettes.
- Tattoo design: The distinct appearance of 'Black and Blue' can inspire tattoo artwork.
- Educational model: In horticultural studies, this plant can serve as a model to teach about plant structure and pollinator attraction strategies.
- Ecological studies: It can be used as a subject for studies on plant-pollinator interactions, especially with bees and hummingbirds that are attracted to it.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried 'Black and Blue' flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements for both color and texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Anise Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Anise Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia, commonly known as sage, is associated with health and healing. Many species of sage, including Black and Blue Sage, have been used in traditional medicine for their purported therapeutic properties.
- Wisdom - Sage has a longstanding symbolic connection to wisdom. In history and folklore, it is often associated with wise persons and is thought to confer wisdom and insight.
- Protection - Sage is frequently used in spiritual and cleansing rituals to ward off evil spirits and protect against negative energies. Black and Blue Sage may symbolically inherit these protective qualities.
- Longevity - With its enduring and resilient nature, sage plants are sometimes seen as a symbol of immortality and longevity, suggesting a long and healthy life.
- Purification - Similar to protection, sage is often used in smudging practices to purify spaces, objects, and individuals from negative influences, and Black and Blue Sage can be symbolic of this cleansing act.
WaterThe Blue Anise Sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time depending on the weather conditions and the soil drainage. During hot and dry spells, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In cooler weather or when rainfall is adequate, reduce watering to prevent over-saturation of the soil. Consistent monitoring of the soil moisture can guide you to water more or less as needed.
LightBlue Anise Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It will perform best when planted where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help to protect the plant from the intensity of the late-day sun. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureBlue Anise Sage prefers warm temperatures and does well in a range between 50°F and 85°F. The plant can withstand occasional dips down to 32°F but ideally should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. To ensure robust growth and flowering, maintaining temperatures around the higher end of the range is beneficial.
PruningPruning the Blue Anise Sage is recommended to encourage bushier growth and more prolific flowering. Prune lightly in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and shape the plant. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to prolong flowering. A more substantial pruning can be done in late fall after flowering has ceased.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Anise-Scented Sage consists of a combination of loam, peat, perlite, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of about 6.0 to 7.0, to optimize nutrient availability and plant growth.
RepottingAnise-Scented Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's important to repot in spring or early summer, just as the plant is beginning to enter a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingAnise-Scented Sage requires moderate humidity levels to thrive. It is not particularly fussy about humidity, but it benefits from a humidity level of around 40-50%. Avoid extremely dry air which can lead to leaf issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light and water when the topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny position, ensure soil drains well, mulch, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', commonly known as Anise-Scented Sage, typically begins with the germination of seeds in spring, requiring warmth and moisture. After germination, seedlings emerge and go through a vegetative stage, where they develop sturdy stems and characteristic green foliage. As the plant matures, the vegetative growth gives way to the reproductive phase, marked by the appearance of striking cobalt blue flowers with black calyces from summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Following pollination, the plant produces small nutlets containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. In temperate regions, Anise-Scented Sage is a perennial, dying back to the ground at the first frost and lying dormant through the winter, to regrow from its roots in the subsequent spring. In colder climates, it is often treated as an annual, completing its life cycle within one growing season and requiring replanting the next year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', commonly known as the blue anise sage, is through stem cuttings. This process is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 3 to 5-inch (8 to 13 cm) section from a healthy non-flowering stem, just below a leaf node. Strip away the lower leaves to expose a length of bare stem, which will be inserted into the soil. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in well-draining soil and kept moist, in a location with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.
