Black and Blue Anise Sage

Black and Blue Anise Sage (Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue')

Black and Blue Anise Sage delivers deep, saturated color and nonstop pollinator activity from summer into fall. The tall flower spikes add instant vertical structure, helping mixed beds look more layered and intentional without complicated design work. Hummingbirds find it quickly, and it keeps performing when heat and humidity settle in. In colder climates it is often treated as a seasonal showpiece, while mild areas can enjoy it as a tender perennial.

Distinctive Features

This sage is prized for its intense cobalt-blue tubular flowers set in near-black calyces, creating dramatic contrast on every spike. Bloom typically starts in mid to late summer and continues to frost with simple grooming, and the plant branches to produce multiple flowering stems. The foliage is aromatic and can carry a light anise-like scent when brushed, adding sensory interest up close. Mature size is commonly about 3 to 5 feet tall and about 2 to 3 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and season length.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade works well, with best flowering in full sun and some afternoon shade helpful in hotter sites.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil that holds some moisture is ideal, and avoid persistently wet ground.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide moderate moisture, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 7 to 10, and commonly grown as an annual outside that range.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 5 feet tall and about 2 to 3 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use one bold clump as a late-season focal point where the blue blooms and dark calyces can carry a key view through fall.
• Back of Borders: Plant behind mid-height perennials to add height, movement, and a strong seasonal finish.
• Hummingbird Gardens: Place near patios and paths to enjoy frequent hummingbird visits at close range.
• Seasonal Screening: Use in repeated groups to create a soft, leafy screen that stays colorful into fall.
• Large Containers: Grow in oversized pots for patio impact and easier overwintering in colder zones.

Low Maintenance Care

• Deadheading: Trim spent flower spikes to encourage repeat bloom and keep plants looking tidy.
• Pruning: Cut back lightly after bloom flushes to promote branching and more flowering stems.
• Watering: Deep water during extended heat and drought to prevent stress and support continued bloom.
• Staking: Provide discreet support in windy sites if tall stems begin to lean.
• Overwintering: In colder zones, grow in a container and move to a bright, protected space before hard frost.

Why Choose Black and Blue Anise Sage?

• High-Contrast Color: Cobalt-blue flowers paired with dark calyces create a standout look in summer and fall borders.
• Long Bloom Window: Flowers persist from mid to late summer to frost with simple trimming.
• Hummingbird Magnet: Tubular blooms reliably draw hummingbirds and other pollinators.
• Strong Garden Structure: Tall, branching stems add vertical interest and help mixed beds look layered.
• Aromatic Foliage: Fragrant leaves add sensory value and can help discourage browsing.

If you want bold late-season color with serious pollinator value, Black and Blue Anise Sage is a strong pick. Give it sun, good drainage, and consistent moisture, then trim after flowering to keep it cycling. Used as a statement clump or repeated along a border, it delivers a confident finish that makes the entire planting feel more complete.