Anise-Scented Sage Salvia guaranitica 'Blue Enigma'
ABOUT
The 'Blue Enigma' is an elegant flowering plant which features striking deep blue flowers. The blossoms are tubular and arranged in whorls around the stem, providing a rich splash of color that's particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The foliage of this plant is lush and vibrant green, with leaves that have a somewhat lance-shaped or oval structure with a slightly serrated edge. Its stems are square-shaped, typical of the group it belongs to, and the entire plant exudes an aromatic fragrance when touched or brushed against. The overall impression is of a plant that's both beautiful and rugged, capable of providing a lush backdrop or an eye-catching focal point with its vivid blue blossoms and dense foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Anise-Scented Sage, Blue Anise Sage, Brazilian Sage, Sapphire Sage
Common names
Salvia guaranitica.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue Anise Sage, commonly known as Blue Enigma, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, like with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities might occur, and it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material that is not meant for consumption.
To pets
Blue Anise Sage is also typically non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingestion of this plant by pets leads to poisoning. Still, it is recommended to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure, and any unusual symptoms after ingestion should prompt consultation with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia guaranitica 'Blue Enigma', commonly known as Blue Enigma sage, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow in a variety of soil conditions as long as there is good drainage.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Blue Enigma sage is drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-conservative gardens.
- Long Blooming: It produces vivid blue to violet flowers from early summer until the first frost, offering a long season of visual interest.
- Deer Resistant: The plant has a natural resistance to deer, which helps prevent it from being damaged by wildlife in areas where deer are prevalent.
- Landscape Versatility: Blue Enigma sage can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and as a focal point due to its striking color and stature.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia guaranitica 'Blue Enigma', commonly known as blue anise sage, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from greens to blues when used with different mordants on fabrics.
- In culinary applications, the flowers of blue anise sage are sometimes crystallized and used as edible decorations for desserts, adding a subtle hint of flavor and color.
- This plant's leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an aromatic herbal infusion for a relaxing, non-caffeinated beverage with a unique flavor.
- Garden designers use blue anise sage in moon gardens, where its reflective blue flowers stand out in the evening light, creating a luminous display at dusk.
- The plant can be incorporated into floral arrangements, especially dried flower bouquets, where its vivid blue blossoms add a long-lasting pop of color.
- Blue anise sage can be used as a natural pest deterrent in the garden, as its strong scent is disliked by many insects and can help protect nearby plants.
- The vibrantly colored nectar-rich flowers can be used to make a natural syrup for use in specialty cocktails or mocktails, providing an uncommon botanical twist.
- In arts and crafts, the stalks and flowers can be pressed and used to create botanical prints or incorporated into paper-making for textured and colored paper.
- Beekeepers sometimes plant blue anise sage nearby to encourage pollination and improve the flavor profile of their honey with its distinctive floral notes.
- Blue anise sage can be used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach children about pollination and the importance of plants in supporting local ecosystems.
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- Wisdom: Salvia is derived from the Latin word "salvere" which means "to save" or "to heal". Historically, various Salvia species, often referred to as sage, have been associated with wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Due to its medicinal properties and perennial growth habit, the plant is often associated with a long life and good health.
- Protection: The sage family has been used in various cultures for protection against evil and to promote a safe environment.
- Healing: The plant's healing properties make it a symbol of recovery and medicinal aid, aligning with the traditional use of many sage species in herbal remedies.
WaterThe Blue Anise Sage should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the water to soak in rather than just wetting the surface. During hot summer months or in hotter climates, increase watering to twice per week. Each watering session should involve giving the plant about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce watering to every other week, as the plant requires less moisture when growth slows down. Always check the top inch of the soil beforehand; if it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
LightBlue Anise Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. If grown indoors, a south or west-facing window would be the best spot to provide ample light. In extremely hot climates, however, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBlue Anise Sage performs best in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temps down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything lower can cause damage or kill the plant. During winter in colder regions, protection or moving the plant indoors is ideal to ensure survival.
PruningPrune Blue Anise Sage in the early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut the plant back by about one-third of its size. Pruning can be repeated lightly after the first bloom to stimulate a second round of flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Anise Sage prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand in equal parts can create an ideal growing environment. Mulching helps retain moisture and cool roots.
RepottingBlue Anise Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years, ideally in the spring, to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. If it's grown in ideal conditions and is not root-bound, it may require less frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingBlue Anise Sage thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, typically around 40-60%. It's adaptable but benefits from increased humidity during hot, dry weather.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Blue Anise Sage in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Place Blue Anise Sage in full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Anise-Scented Sage ('Blue Enigma') begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions typically in the spring. Following germination, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant with a basic structure of leaves and stems. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a robust growth of leaves and stems, and establishes a strong root system. When it reaches maturity, usually within a few months, it enters the flowering stage during the warmer months, showcasing its vibrant blue-violet flowers which attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant can be perennial in warm climates, where it may enter a phase of dormancy during the cooler season before resuming growth in the spring, or it can be treated as an annual in colder regions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia guaranitica 'Blue Enigma', commonly known as Blue Anise Sage, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cut just below a leaf node, typically about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss. The stem cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and to provide indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks. Once the new plants have established a strong root system, they can be transplanted to their final location.
