Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue - Shrubby Sage

The Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', also known as Guarani Sage, is a giant perennial plant with an almost shrubby, woody habit at the base, able to outcompete its less vigorous neighbours where it thrives. It forms a bushy clump, composed of robust leafy stems that bear long spikes of enigmatic and intense deep blue-violet flowers in late summer, supported by black bracts, lasting until late in the season. Its large heart-shaped leaves, evergreen in mild climates, release a subtle scent of anise when crushed. This beautiful species is not very hardy, but it is resistant to summer drought and has a lot of presence in the back of the border. An exceptional plant that is worth trying to grow in a dry garden, sheltered from the wind, and in full sun.

The Salvia guaranitica, also known as Salvia concolor, belongs to the family of lamiaceae or labiates. It originates from South America, more precisely from a vast area that covers Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The plant quickly forms a large bushy clump composed of semi-woody stems bearing large leaves measuring 9 cm (3.5 in) long and 8 cm (3.1 in) wide, with a beautiful shiny mint green color on the top and lighter on the underside, hairy and wrinkled. It will reach a height of 1.5 to 2 m (6 to 7 feet) in two years and will spread thanks to sucker growth over at least 1m². The flowers, nectar-rich and honey-producing, bloom in summer (earlier or later depending on the climate) and last until the first frost. The floral spikes are 25 cm (9.8 in)  long and upright, on tall black square stems, and bearing very dark flowers with a deep purple-sheathing calyx at the base. The flowers measure about 5 cm (2 in) in length. They are composed of two elongated lips of a rare and very beautiful deep blue-violet colour. The base of each flower is enclosed in a black calyx. The slightly sticky foliage releases a gentle scent reminiscent of anise when crushed. In winter, when planted in a protected position and in dry soil, the stump is hardy down to -10°C (14°F). The cold destroys the above-ground parts of the plant, but the vegetation regrows from the stump the following year.

In nature, Black and Blue Guarani Sage grows in well-drained soils in a warm temperate climate. It is an especially beautiful plant for the back of borders, creating a backdrop that attracts and holds the gaze. In mild oceanic or Mediterranean climates it will accompany sturdy perennial plants or other bushes that will keep it in check, for example Salvia grahamii, Gaura, or a spectacular and graphic grass like Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' or Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'. Large sedums (e.g. Sedum 'Matrona'), shrubby potentillas, and tall bushy autumn asters (e.g. Aster turbinellus, Aster Laevis, Kalimeris mongolica) will also create a charming tableau in its company. On the terrace, place it in a very large pot so that you can store it away from severe frosts in winter.