Thursday, June 3, 2010

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Black & Blue Salvia



Pictured above: Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue'

Black & Blue salvia has rapidly become a favorite among area gardeners. This annual plant sports large, cobalt blue flowers above dark green velvety leaves that bloom all summer long. Its growth is vigorous and the Black & Blue is extraordinarily heat tolerant. The flowers grow upright on well-branched plants,allowing hummingbirds easy access to the nectar. Hummingbirds LOVE this salvia! I've enjoyed watching them dodge one another other to gain an advantage in reaching the flowers.
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, Black & Blue, like most salvias, also attracts butterflies. As an added bonus, salvias are deer resistant.
Plant Black & Blue salvias in full sun. Space plants about 12-18" apart, closer in pots and window boxes. They will grow to 24-30" tall in a terrific mounding habit.
Valley View Farms grows the Black & Blue Salvia in two pot sizes for spring and summer planting. It is just one of many beautiful and fragrant salvias, both annual and perennial,to grow in the garden.
Stop by Valley View Farms to pick up our informative handouts on gardening to attract hummingbirds and butterflies as well as our list of deer resistant plants.

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