Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ is a bold, fast growing perennial that brings intense color and vertical movement into the landscape. It’s especially valued for its striking contrast between deep blue flowers and nearly black calyxes.

The foliage is a rich green, forming a loose, upright clump that fills in quickly during the growing season. It has a slightly softer texture compared to more rigid shrubs, which helps it blend well into mixed plantings.

The flowers are the main feature. Tall spikes of vivid cobalt blue blooms rise above the foliage, with dark stems that enhance the color even further. The contrast is dramatic and creates a strong visual focal point.

It blooms from late spring through fall, providing a long season of color. The flowers are also highly attractive to hummingbirds, adding movement and activity to the garden.

Because of its height and growth habit, it works well as a background plant, in mass plantings, or as a vertical accent within a mixed border.

Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well drained soil. It benefits from regular watering and performs best with consistent moisture, especially in warmer climates.

It typically reaches about 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide, forming an upright, spreading clump. It is well suited for USDA zones 8 through 11. The foliage is semi evergreen depending on conditions.

This plant has low toxicity and is generally safe for gardens with pets and children.

The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and are especially attractive to hummingbirds.

It is generally deer resistant.

Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ fits especially well into cottage, pollinator, and mixed border designs, where its bold color can be used to create contrast and vertical interest.

It pairs well with plants like Gaura lindheimeri to add light, airy movement, Muhlenbergia capillaris to reinforce that soft texture and seasonal color, and Coreopsis species to introduce warm tones that contrast with the cool blue blooms.

Expert Tip:

Place this where it has room to grow and spread, because it can fill in quickly and create a fuller presence over time. Cutting it back periodically during the season will also encourage more branching and continuous blooms.

— Nick from Rooted Theory