Salvia, Genus, guaranitica, Species,
- Genus & species
anise-scented sage
South America — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay
Overview
Salvia guaranitica is anise-scented sage (hummingbird sage), an upright perennial growing 36-60 inches (90-150 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. Deep cobalt-blue to violet-blue tubular flowers 2 inches (5 cm) long in terminal racemes. Dark to medium green rugose (wrinkled) ovate foliage 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long with an anise scent when bruised. Square stems. In the mint family (Lamiaceae). The cobalt-blue flower color is rare among garden perennials. The tubular flowers are hummingbird-pollinated — the 2-inch (5 cm) corolla tube matches ruby-throated hummingbird bill length. Spreads by underground rhizomes — forms colonies over time. Tender perennial: root-hardy in zones 7-10 but top growth is killed by frost. In zones 7-8 the crown may not survive without 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) of winter mulch — the primary limitation in cold climates. Grown as an annual north of zone 7. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Part sun to full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to South America — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay.Suggested Uses
Grown in perennial borders, hummingbird gardens, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Hummingbird-pollinated. Cobalt-blue flowers. Spreads by rhizomes. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 7-10 (annual north of zone 7). Perennial.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep cobalt-blue to violet-blue, tubular, 2 inches (5 cm) long, in terminal racemes; the cultivar 'Black and Blue' has a near-black calyx contrasting with the blue corollaFoliage Description
Dark to medium green, ovate, rugose (wrinkled surface texture), 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long; anise-scented when bruisedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun (4-8 hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Tender perennial: zones 7-10. Mulch crown 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) for winter in zones 7-8. Spreads by rhizomes. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic.Pruning
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued bloom. Cut back to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) after the first hard frost. Pinch tips in late spring to encourage branching. Mulch crown for winter in zones 7-8.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May & October
late springfall
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
