Salvia is the largest genus in the mint family with some 900 species of annuals, perennials and soft-wooded shrubs, including culinary and medicinal herbs as well as garden ornamentals. The plant is classified as a semi-hardy perennial although it is most often grown as an annual in the colder parts of the country, and is reportedly winter hardy as far north as Southern Tennessee.
Some common names for this member of the mint family include: blue anise sage, Brazilian sage, and anise sage. Blue anise sage is native to South and Central America; Brazil, Paraguay Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Many outstanding species have been brought into cultivation just since the 1980's. All guaranitica varieties have very long blooming seasons and mature, established plants can produce several thousand nectar-producing flowers that are extremely attractive to hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies.
The deep, dark blue flower color is one of the most intense blues to be found. The flowers are unusual for a salvia - with the upper lip being longer than the lower one. The individual tubular flowers jump from almost black calyxes, and are up to 2 inches long with a hood-like upper lip and a shorter, downward pointing lower lip. They are borne in showy 10 inch spikes from early summer to late autumn.
As with other salvias, dead-heading or removing old flowers as they fade will encourage additional blooms. If Salvia guaranitica begins to decline in floral display at any time, simply cut the plant back by one-third to one-half and it will branch and re-bloom.
Salvia guaranitica is a trouble-free selection, growing upright with a loose, bushy, rather open form. It gets 3-5 feet tall and just as wide, and has branched, dark green stems that are square in cross section. They do best in full sun with deep, but not too frequent watering.
The branches and leaves are in pairs originating on opposite sides of the stems. The dark green leaves are 2-5 inches long, more or less oval in shape, slightly toothed and heart shaped at the base. Leaves are wrinkled above and pale green below. They do not smell like anise.
In the landscape, plant them 18 to 24 inches apart and apply a complete, balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 at planting time. Few pests affect Salvia guaranitica. Crowding and over-fertilization seem to be the most common mistake.
Salvia guaranitica can be used in the background of borders, in mixed shrub and perennial plantings, or as container plants. Since bees, hummingbirds and butterflies love them, be sure to include several in your butterfly garden.
They may be propagated from two to three-inch terminal cuttings any time of the year. The cuttings will root without hormone. Pinching rooted cuttings will encourage branching and fuller plants. Pinch container-grown plants every three to four weeks.
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