Thanks for your question! I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about Black and Blue Salvias, especially about whether they’re annuals or perennials. Let me explain in simple terms what I know from growing these beautiful plants.
The Quick Answer
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ can be either an annual or a perennial plant, depending on where you live. In warmer zones (7–10), they’re happy perennials that come back every year. But if you live somewhere cold, you’ll probably need to treat them like annuals.
Why We Love Black and Blue Salvias
I gotta tell you why these plants are so special
- Those eye-popping cobalt blue flowers with black calyces – totally unique!
- They grow pretty tall (2-5 feet) and spread just as wide
- Hummingbirds and butterflies go crazy for them
- They bloom forever (mid-summer to fall)
- Super low maintenance once established
Growing as Perennials
Here’s the deal with growing them as perennials:
Where They’ll Come Back Every Year:
- Zone 9 and warmer (think Southern California, Florida, Texas)
- Areas where winter temps rarely drop below 20°F
- Their original home turf – Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina
Making Them Work in Colder Zones:
I’ve had success getting them through winter in Zone 7 by:
- Planting against a south-facing wall
- Piling on the mulch for insulation
- Using fabric covers during cold snaps
- Moving container plants to an unheated greenhouse
Growing as Annuals
If you’re in a colder zone, don’t stress! These plants make awesome annuals:
What to Expect:
- Smaller size (2-3 feet tall)
- Still tons of blooms
- Fresh, vigorous growth each year
- No worrying about winter survival
Growing Tips from My Garden
Sun and Soil:
- Full sun is best (6+ hours daily)
- Well-draining soil is a must
- Add compost to improve soil texture
Water and Care:
- Let soil dry slightly between waterings
- Deadhead spent flowers (seriously, it helps!)
- Cut back to ground in late winter
- Take cuttings in spring if you wanna make more
Best Ways to Use Black and Blue Salvias
In the Garden:
- Container superstar
- Border plant (those tall spikes look amazing!)
- Pollinator gardens
- Cottage garden style
Common Problems I’ve Encountered
-
Leggy growth
- Usually means not enough sun
- Move to a sunnier spot if possible
-
Poor blooming
- Again, probably needs more sun
- Could need deadheading
- Might be getting too much fertilizer
My Final Thoughts
Whether you grow Black and Blue Salvias as annuals or perennials, they’re totally worth it! The stunning blue flowers, easy care, and pollinator-friendly nature make them a winner in any garden. I’ve been growing them for years and still get excited when those first blooms appear.
Remember to know their zone, give them lots of sun, and not give them too much water. Trust me, if you live in a cold place, you can treat them like annuals. That’s just how gardening works sometimes!
Would love to hear about your experiences with these beauties in the comments below. Happy gardening, everyone!
Looking for more garden tips? Check out our other articles on summer-blooming perennials and container gardening!
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black & Blue’ – SAGE ‘BLACK & BLUE’
Black & Blue Salvia From Proven Winners
FAQ
Do salvias prefer sun or shade?
Sunlight: Most salvias prefer full sun and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some will bloom well in part shade. Soil: Salvias usually prefer well-drained soil and do not tolerate wet or waterlogged soil. They grow best in soil that is amended with organic matter, such as compost.