Horticulture/Salvia guaranitica

Salvia guaranitica (Anise-scented sage or Hummingbird sage) is a species of sage native to South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Description
It is a perennial or subshrub growing 1-3 m tall. The leaves are ovate, 4-13 cm long, mint green, and anise-scented when crushed. The inflorescences are up to 25 cm long, with each flower 3-5 cm long in varying shades of blue, with a dark basal calyx 10-12 mm long. Flowering begins in mid summer and continues through late autumn.

Salvia guaranitica is only a perennial in USDA Zones 7 to 10, but can be perennial in cooler climates, if planted in sunny microclimate.

Growing conditions
Deep, well-drained soils with adequate irrigation during drought periods. Water needs are low. In colder climates, the plant should be sited against a building or masonry.

Varieties
Numerous cultivars have been selected, including:
 * 'Argentine Skies' (pale blue flowers)
 * 'Black and Blue' (very dark violet blue calyx)
 * 'Blue Enigma' (green calyx and blue flowers
 * 'Blue Ensign' (large blue flowers)
 * 'Purple Splendor' (large purple flowers)

Uses
Salvia guaranitica is a popular ornamental plant in mild areas where the temperature does not fall below &minus;12 °C. It is most often planted in order to attract hummingbirds.

Maintenance
Prune to the ground in early spring, before new stems grow. Can be sheared to encourage bushiness. Staking is sometimes necessary. Excellent container plant.

Propagation
Division or stem cuttings. In colder climates, it can be dug in early autumn and kept indoors either in a pot or in vermiculite for dormant storage. It's hardiness can be greatly extended if planted against a building or masonry to maintain higher winter soil temperatures.

Pests and diseases
See ../Salvia/ for a list of pests and diseases affecting the genus Salvia.