Salvia Black and Blue

Salvia (Salvia guaranitica) 'Black and Blue' blurs the line between purple and blue but there's no doubting its eye appeal. The spikes of deep blue/purple flowers with black calyx set it apart from all other salvias.

It grows about 1-metre high and creates a brilliant display in landscapes and mixed herbaceous borders.

Like other salvias the 'Black and Blue' grows easily in full sun and ordinary garden soil.

Salvia Black and Blue is native to Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina

Well-drained soil is necessary, especially during our wet winter season. There is risk of root rot if soil drains poorly.

The plants dislike overwatering.

For Salvia Black and Blue to look its best it really needs to be cut back severely in late winter or early spring so that it will remain a bit shorter & more compact.

 Flowers are present over a long period from mid-summer to deep into autumn.

Deadheading the spent flowers helps to keep the plant reblooming.

Too much shade will cause the stems to become elongated and fall over.

Too much fertilizer reduces the number of flowers produced.