{"product_id":"costa-rica-blue-anise-sage-salvia-guaranitica-costa-rica-blue","title":"Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage - Salvia guaranitica 'Costa Rica Blue'","description":"\u003cp\u003eCosta Rica Blue Anise Sage (\u003cem\u003eSalvia guaranitica\u003c\/em\u003e '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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlue nearly all year.\u003c\/strong\u003e Vivid, tubular blue flowers keep appearing across the seasons, with a short rest after a midsummer cut-back.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlenty of height.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 1 to 2m it gives back-of-border structure that smaller salvias cannot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA wildlife magnet.\u003c\/strong\u003e Birds, butterflies and bees visit the flowers constantly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAniseed foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crush a leaf and it smells of aniseed, a nice touch beside a path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHappy in heat.\u003c\/strong\u003e Salvias are generally forgiving and enjoy hot, sunny spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe back of a border.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 80cm apart so the open plants lean into each other and make a loose, tall hedge of blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCottage and wildlife gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It mixes well with roses, daisies and grasses, and keeps pollinators busy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKitchen gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Planted among herbs and vegetables, it draws pollinators through the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Costa Rica Blue Anise Sage in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich soil with a good layer of mulch. Dig in compost on poor ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clip over after flowering to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering. Cut it hard back in midsummer when it takes a rest from blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/salvia\"\u003eBrowse salvias\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/creating-a-beautiful-cottage-garden-in-australia-insiders-guide\"\u003eHow to create a cottage garden\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bee-and-butterfly-plants\"\u003eBee and butterfly friendly plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/backyard-bird-paradise-creating-a-sanctuary\"\u003eCreating a backyard bird sanctuary\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow tall will it get?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill frost kill it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs there a smaller version?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Lake Baikal is a compact anise sage of about 50cm with dark blue flowers, a better fit for pots and small borders.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67790875263295,"sku":"SAL-GUA-COSTAR-tube","price":15.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/costa-rica-blue-anise-sage-salvia-guaranitica-costa-rica-blue.jpg?v=1792210718","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/costa-rica-blue-anise-sage-salvia-guaranitica-costa-rica-blue","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}