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Blue Anise Sage Salvia guaranitica

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-vee-uh gwar-uh-NYE-tik-uh
Description

Blue anise sage is an herbaceous perennial in the  Lamiaceae (mint) family that grows up to 5 feet in height and width. It is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin term salveo, which means ‘be well’ and refers to the plant's medicinal properties.

This plant grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. It is drought and heat tolerant once established. Although it is a tender perennial that is hardy in zones 8 to 10, it may be grown as an annual in cold-winter regions. 'Black and Blue' is hardier than other cultivars and will survive milder winters in zone 7 if well mulched.

Use this sage as a border or mass planting in a garden bed, container, or naturalized area. It works well in a pollinator, butterfly, or cottage garden, as it is a reliable nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds and is seldom damaged by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Whitefly, aphids, mealy bug, and spider mites are insect problems. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Salvia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Herb & Flower Cottage Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Argentina Skies', 'Black and Blue', 'Blue Ensign', Omaha
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#purple flowers#nectar plant#blue flowers#fall interest#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#HS302#bee friendly#stormwater demo garden orange co#perennial#buncombe county sun and shade garden#wildlife friendly#th-smell
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Argentina Skies', 'Black and Blue', 'Blue Ensign', Omaha
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#purple flowers#nectar plant#blue flowers#fall interest#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#HS302#bee friendly#stormwater demo garden orange co#perennial#buncombe county sun and shade garden#wildlife friendly#th-smell
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salvia
    Species:
    guaranitica
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used by the Guarani Indians of Brazil as a sedative.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Spreading
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Schizocarp
    Fruit Description:
    Schizocarp has 4 chambers with 1 nutlet each
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are two-lipped: the upper lip forms a hood over the stamens and the lower lip is downward-pointing, wide and toothed.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Oval, lightly-toothed, dark green leaves (2-5” long) are wrinkled above and pale green below
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat