Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage

Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage (Salvia guaranitica 'Costa Rica Blue') is a large, open perennial that carries vivid blue tubular flowers almost all year, on plants 1 to 2m tall and about 1m wide. Crushed leaves smell of aniseed. It fills the back of a border and brings birds, butterflies and bees to the garden.

Why you'll love it

• Blue nearly all year. Vivid, tubular blue flowers keep appearing across the seasons, with a short rest after a midsummer cut-back.
• Plenty of height. At 1 to 2m it gives back-of-border structure that smaller salvias cannot.
• A wildlife magnet. Birds, butterflies and bees visit the flowers constantly.
• Aniseed foliage. Crush a leaf and it smells of aniseed, a nice touch beside a path.
• Happy in heat. Salvias are generally forgiving and enjoy hot, sunny spots.

Where it works best

The back of a border. Plant 80cm apart so the open plants lean into each other and make a loose, tall hedge of blue.

Cottage and wildlife gardens. It mixes well with roses, daisies and grasses, and keeps pollinators busy.

Kitchen gardens. Planted among herbs and vegetables, it draws pollinators through the growing season.

Growing Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Protect it from frost, though it may come through a light overnight one, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In colder gardens, frost can burn the top growth; cut the damaged stems off in spring.

Soil. Rich soil with a good layer of mulch. Dig in compost on poor ground.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then water regularly in dry periods. Feed with slow release fertiliser in spring, and give an extra boost in summer heat with a seaweed tonic.

Pruning. Clip over after flowering to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering. Cut it hard back in midsummer when it takes a rest from blooming.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. Tube plants are small but fast. Plant them in warm weather with room to reach 1 to 2m, and water in well.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse salvias
• How to create a cottage garden
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Creating a backyard bird sanctuary

Common questions

How tall will it get?

One to 2m high and about 1m wide, with a large open habit. Put it at the back of a bed, and the midsummer cut keeps it tidier.

Will frost kill it?

It needs protection from frost, although it might come through a light overnight one. In frosty gardens choose a sheltered position and cut off burnt stems in spring.

Is there a smaller version?

Yes. Lake Baikal is a compact anise sage of about 50cm with dark blue flowers, a better fit for pots and small borders.