Lake Garda Anise Sage

Lake Garda Anise Sage (Salvia guaranitica 'Lake Garda') is a compact flowering sage that stays about 50cm high and wide, half the size of the species form, yet covers itself in warm pink flowers from spring to autumn. Crush a leaf and it smells of aniseed, which is where the common name comes from.

Why you'll love it

• A long season of colour. Bright pink petals sit against rust red stems and calyces, and the show runs from spring right through to autumn.
• Compact for a sage. At 40 to 50cm high and 50cm wide it fits a small bed, a front border or a patio pot.
• Quick to flower. The Lake series is bred to flower fast on long stems, so results come in the first season.
• Scented foliage. The leaves smell of aniseed when crushed, a small pleasure beside a path, a seat or a back door.
• A pollinator magnet. Bees, butterflies and birds visit for the nectar, which earns it a place in wildlife and kitchen gardens.

Where it works best

Cottage borders and mixed beds. Plant 50cm apart in a loose drift so the clumps touch by the end of the first season. The warm pink works well with silver foliage, blue salvias and white daisies.

Pots and patios. Its size suits a large pot on a patio or balcony, where the aniseed scent is close at hand. Give each plant a pot at least 300mm wide.

Wildlife and kitchen gardens. Set among herbs and vegetables, it draws pollinators in and keeps colour going between crops.

Growing Lake Garda Anise Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the most flowers in a bright position. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Protect it from frost: it may come through a light overnight one, but hard frost will burn it back.

Soil. Rich soil suits it best. Dig compost through the bed before planting and finish with a layer of mulch to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, then water through dry periods. Feed in spring with a slow release fertiliser, and give it a seaweed tonic during the summer heat.

Pruning. Clip over after flowering to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowers. In midsummer, when it takes a rest from blooming, cut it hard back and it reshoots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lake Garda Anise Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright and settle fast. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and mulch the soil.

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 our full salvia range
• More bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants that suit pots and containers
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

How big does Lake Garda Anise Sage get?

About 40 to 50cm high and 50cm wide, roughly half the size of the standard Salvia guaranitica. That makes it a better fit for small beds and pots.

Will it cope with frost?

It might come through a light overnight frost, but it is not a plant for hard frost districts. Mulch the roots in winter and plant it in a sheltered spot.

Why does it smell of aniseed?

The leaves hold aromatic oils that are released when crushed. The scent is mild and sweet, and it gives the plant its common name.