Salvia 'Black & Bloom'

Overview of Salvia 'Black & Bloom'

Salvia 'Black & Bloom' is a bold and visually striking perennial sage known for its intense deep blue flowers and contrasting glossy black stems and calyces. It is a cultivar of Salvia guaranitica, also known as anise-scented sage, and is celebrated for its long flowering season, dramatic colour, and appeal to pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

This fast-growing variety forms a dense, upright habit reaching 90–120 cm in height and about 75–90 cm in spread, making it ideal for adding vertical interest to garden beds, mixed borders, and large containers. It is particularly heat-tolerant and thrives in sunny, warm conditions.

Sunlight, Temperature & Positioning

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) for optimal growth and flowering.

  • Can tolerate very light afternoon shade, particularly in hot, inland climates.

• Temperature & Hardiness:

  • Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11 (approx. -6°C to -10°C).

  • In colder zones, it should be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.

  • Benefits from mulch in autumn to protect roots in borderline climates.

• Ideal Placement:

  • Best suited for sunny borders, wildlife gardens, tropical-style plantings, and statement containers.

  • Choose a sheltered spot to reduce wind damage to tall flowering stems.

Soil, Watering & Feeding

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with added organic matter.

  • Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH.

  • Avoid heavy, clay-rich, or compacted soil which can cause root issues.

• Watering Needs:

  • Moderate watering during active growth—keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

  • Once established, has some drought tolerance, but will flower better with consistent watering.

  • Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage.

• Feeding Routine:

  • Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

  • Use a balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during peak growing season for continued blooming.

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen which may reduce flowering in favour of foliage growth.

Flowering, Pruning & Seasonal Maintenance

• Blooming Period:

  • Flowers from late spring through autumn, often right up to the first frost.

  • Continuous blooming with proper care and regular deadheading.

• Pruning Guidelines:

  • Pinch back young plants in early spring to promote branching.

  • Lightly trim spent flower stems throughout the season to encourage reblooming.

  • In spring, cut back all stems to 10–15 cm above ground once new growth emerges.

• Seasonal Maintenance:

  • In regions with winter frost, dig up and overwinter the plant indoors, or grow it in a large container that can be moved.

  • In warmer zones, apply mulch in autumn to protect the root system.

  • Remove faded leaves and debris to discourage pests and disease.

Propagation, Pests & Companion Planting

• Propagation:

  • Propagate from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or summer.

  • Can also be propagated by division in spring, although this is less common.

  • Seeds are generally not used due to hybrid origin.

• Pest & Disease Resistance:

  • Relatively pest-free; may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites.

  • Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce risk of mildew or leaf spot.

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with rudbeckia, echinacea, agastache, ornamental grasses, and coleus.

  • Great for tropical-style or pollinator gardens.

Container Growing & Design Use

• Container Cultivation:

  • Ideal for large patio containers—use loam-based compost with added grit.

  • Ensure containers have proper drainage holes.

  • Water deeply and regularly in containers, especially during hot weather.

• Design Impact:

  • Excellent as a focal plant or repeated throughout a border for rhythm and colour.

  • Adds contrast with silver foliage plants or other dark-stemmed ornamentals.

  • Strong vertical accent that provides structure and movement in the landscape.

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.