Salvia 'Black & Blue'

Salvia 'Black & Blue' (a Salvia guaranitica selection) is a half-hardy, rhizomatous perennial valued for striking spikes of vivid blue flowers set off by near-black calyces from midsummer into autumn. The aromatic green foliage and upright habit make it excellent for late-season colour in mixed borders, where it is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. In Ireland, plant in a warm, sheltered spot with full sun or light shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend the display and provide frost protection in winter; in colder areas it may be best lifted or otherwise kept frost-free. Expect an eventual height around 1–1.5m with a spread to about 60–90cm.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Average

Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil

Hardiness: Half-hardy; protect from frost

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant at a Glance