Name: Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’

Type of Plant:  An annual salvia that has blue flowers, bright green leaves and black calyces.

Why I Love This Plant:  I love this plant for three reasons. First, it’s a hummingbird magnet. Secondly, the flowers are a clear blue, blue. And thirdly, I love it because this annual plays well with others so that you can combine it in a container with many other annuals.

A Word to the Wise: This salvia can grow to 3 feet tall or more, so be prepared for that height. Know that the stems can be a bit brittle, so it might not be the best plant for a container that’s in a windy location. If you do have some stems break in a storm, just cut them off and the plant will grow more. Some people even root those broken stems with rooting hormone in damp potting mix to make more plants.

Finally, deadhead this salvia once a week to stimulate new flowers all summer and fall.

First thing to love about Salvia Black and Blue is the bright green foliage and dark stems.

The next thing to love is the true-blue flowers that have black calyces.

I love that the hummingbirds are all over the flowers…proving that you don’t have to have red or orange colors to attract these birds.

Finally, I love how you can mix one or more of these Salvias in with just about any arrangement – this plant plays well with others! In tis photo, I have it with King Tut Papyrus, Cuphea, Ageratum ‘Blue Horizon,’ and Plectranthus.