Sage Black and Blue is a large, robust, flowering machine for bigger space and hummingbird magnet.
Shrarp color combination of brilliant sky blue flowers with nearly black calyxes. Black stems, up to 4 tall and 3-4 wide, shrubby looking plant.
This is tender perennial, hardy to in zones 7, 8, 9, but our experience from zone 6a/6b is, that it will survive fine, if its in sheltered warmer position – right at the house at south facing wall or with some winter protection. Drained soils will help too. Can be grown as annual too.
Sage Black and Blue requires full sun to half shade, average to moist soil and flowers from mid-summer into fall in. Dead heading keeps it flowering in full force. Hummingbirds, especially, and butterflies won’t leave it alone.
When happy, it forms spreading underground rhizomes and can cover a lot of space in warmer gardens. Use it at the back of your garden or as a flowering hedge. Stunning with yellow Echinacea, Rudbeckia or other Salvia.
With their stunning bicolor blooms in deep purple and electric blue black and blue salvias (Salvia guaranitica) make a vibrant addition to any garden. While these salvias thrive in garden beds their medium size and lush flowers also make them ideal for container growing. When properly cared for, black and blue salvias grown in pots produce abundant blooms and add eye-catching color to patios, porches, and other outdoor living areas.
Choosing the Right Pot Size
Black and blue salvias can reach 3 to 4 feet in both height and width when grown in ideal conditions. To accommodate the mature size of these plants select a pot that is at least 18 inches wide or ideally 24 inches or larger. This gives their long taproot plenty of room to spread out. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Square, rectangular, or round planters all work well for displaying salvias. For a bold, dramatic look, grow 3 plants together in a large pot. Or plant a single salvia as the centerpiece of a mixed planter combined with smaller annuals and foliage plants.
Where to Site Containers for Optimal Growth
When grown in pots, black and blue salvias require a location with full sun exposure for at least 6 hours per day. Some light afternoon shade is tolerated, especially in hot climates Morning sun with a little shelter from intense mid-day and afternoon sun gives container grown salvias the bright light they love without excessive wilting or dry soil.
Site pots and planters where they can receive consistent moisture through the growing season. Avoid windy areas that will dry containers out rapidly. An eastern or southeastern exposure protected from harsh western sun is often ideal. Bring pots with salvias indoors or under cover if temperatures drop below 40°F.
Soil Needs for Potted Salvias
Black and blue salvias thrive in rich, fertile, and fast-draining soil. When potting or repotting salvias, choose a commercial potting mix formulated specifically for container gardening. You can also make your own high-quality potting soil by combining equal parts:
- Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention
- Perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
- Compost for organic matter and nutrients
Mix in a slow-release granular fertilizer like 10-10-10 or incorporate some worm castings for a nutrient boost. The soil should be loose and fluffy enough for rapid drainage to prevent rotting roots.
Planting and Care Tips
-
Plant salvia starts or seedlings when they are around 6 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Gently loosen tangled roots before placing in pot.
-
Pinch or snip off any flowers in the first 2 months so plants establish roots and foliage before blooming.
-
Water container grown salvias when soil is partly dry 1-2 inches deep. Avoid wilted or dried out plants.
-
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for continual blooms.
-
Prune back any dead or damaged growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
-
Bring pots indoors before frost. Cut back stems by half and keep cool and dry over winter.
Dealing With Pests and Disease
Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips may appear on container grown salvias. Rinse off pests with a strong spray of water and use insecticidal soap as needed. Watch for powdery mildew and downy mildew, treating any fungal disease with an organic fungicide. Improve air circulation between plants to reduce disease risk.
Overwintering Potted Black and Blue Salvias
There are a couple options for overwintering container grown black and blue salvias in cold climates:
-
Take cuttings in late summer. Root the cuttings to generate new plants for the following season.
-
Before frost, trim back the salvias by about one half. Move the pots to an indoor space like a garage or basement where temperatures stay between 35-50°F. Limit watering and do not fertilize over winter.
-
After all danger of spring frost has passed, move pots back outside. Water and fertilize as usual. New growth will quickly appear.
Enjoying Months of Vibrant Color
With their combination of deep purple stems, green foliage, and electric blue blooms, black and blue salvias offer unique beauty and visual impact in patio containers. Follow proper care guidelines for soil, sunlight, moisture, and overwintering to enjoy their colorful show from spring through fall. The hummingbirds visiting your potted salvias will thank you too!
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black & Blue’ – SAGE ‘BLACK & BLUE’
Review of Salvia Black and blue.
FAQ
Do black and blue salvias like sun or shade?
It is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. “Black and Blue’ salvias enjoys full sun. If planted in too much shade, they tend to flop over and have fewer flowers.
Do salvias do well in containers?
If you’re looking to add some color and life to your balcony or patio growing salvia in pots might just be the perfect gardening project for you. Renowned for their vivid purple, blue, and red flowers, salvias are not only a visual delight but also relatively easy to care for.