Salvia guaranitica (anise-scented sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia guaranitica is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia guaranitica grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. Suggested uses include borders, pollinator gardens and hummingbird gardens. It is native to South America.

About

Salvia guaranitica is a perennial sage grown for its anise-scented foliage and long, blue flower spikes. It forms clump‑forming, upright stems with textured leaves that may be deciduous, semi‑evergreen or evergreen depending on location. Flowers appear from June to September and are attractive to pollinators. Plants prefer full sun on sharply drained soils and are vulnerable to winter wet.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia guaranitica

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

Salvia guaranitica originates from South America and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It develops as a clump‑forming perennial with aromatic leaves that release anise when crushed, and produces blue flower spikes that open from June to September. Give it a sunny, south- or west-facing spot in light loam, sandy or chalky soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Sharp drainage is essential; winter wet is the usual cause of loss, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground and site the plant in a sheltered position. Shrubby selections range from H3 to H5, covering borderline to hardy conditions in the UK, while the hardier herbaceous types sit at H6–H7; USDA zones 5–10 offers a further reference for colder or milder climates. Use Salvia guaranitica in mixed borders, pollinator beds or gardens planted to attract nectar feeders. Cut back and maintain good drainage around the crown before winter in cooler areas, since prolonged moisture around roots is the main reason these sages fail through colder seasons.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia guaranitica size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens
Native to: South America
Fragrance: Anise-scented

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia guaranitica

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia guaranitica?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia guaranitica?

Salvia guaranitica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia guaranitica need?

Salvia guaranitica grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia guaranitica?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia guaranitica hardy in the UK?

Salvia guaranitica has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia guaranitica?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →