Black & Blue Salvia is a stunning summer-to-fall bloomer that brings vibrant two-tone flowers to gardens in zones 8 and warmer. This cultivar of Salvia guaranitica grows 36 to 48 inches tall with a restrained 24-inch spread, making it a substantial but manageable presence in full sun. The common name perfectly captures its dramatic appeal: deep blue flowers paired with near-black calyces that create an almost electric visual contrast. Hummingbirds and other pollinators find it irresistible, and deer leave it alone entirely, giving you reliable color from June through November without the typical garden pests.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
8-8
48in H x 24in W
—
High
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The two-tone flower effect alone sets this salvia apart, with rich blue blooms emerging from dark purple-black calyces that seem to frame each flower like jewelry. From midsummer straight through the first frost, it delivers consistent color in a season when many perennials are fading. The upright, sturdy growth habit and moderate water needs make it dependable for gardeners who don't want to coddle their plants, while the pollinator magnetism turns it into a living hummingbird feeder.
Black & Blue Salvia is grown as an ornamental flowering perennial for summer and fall color in garden beds and borders. Its hummingbird-attracting properties make it especially valuable in pollinator gardens, and its upright structure works well in cottage gardens, mixed perennial plantings, or as a specimen where dramatic color is desired.
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Transplant after the last spring frost when soil has warmed, spacing plants 24 inches apart. Space for adequate air circulation to minimize powdery mildew issues.
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly throughout the summer and fall to encourage sustained blooming. You can also cut back the plant in early spring to maintain a tidy, compact shape and encourage bushier growth.
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