Black and Bloom Salvias are a popular choice for gardeners, known for their striking appearance and ability to attract pollinators. These plants offer continuous color and movement in the garden, making them a rewarding addition to any landscape. This guide will help you cultivate and maintain these beautiful plants.
Understanding Black and Bloom Salvias
Black and Bloom Salvia (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black & Bloom’) features deep indigo-blue flowers emerging from striking black calyces on dark stems. This hybrid cultivar is prized for its vigorous growth and typically reaches 3 to 4 feet in height and spread.
These salvias bloom from spring through fall, often continuing until the first frost. Hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 10, they are frequently grown as annuals in cooler climates. Their flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The foliage is dark green and may have a mild, pleasant fragrance when touched.
Planting and Establishment
Black and Bloom Salvias perform best in full sun, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Adequate sun exposure helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Well-draining soil is crucial for these salvias, as they dislike consistently wet conditions. An organically rich loam is preferred; incorporating compost can significantly improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and to accommodate their mature size. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil and maintain consistent moisture until established.
Ongoing Care Practices
Watering
Black and Bloom Salvias require consistent moisture, especially during their establishment phase. Water deeply two to three times per week to encourage a robust root system. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from regular weekly watering, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Container-grown plants need more frequent watering.
Fertilizing
Black and Bloom Salvias are light feeders and do not require heavy fertilization. An application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous growth and blooming throughout the season. Alternatively, incorporating compost around the plant’s base provides nutrients gradually. Over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular deadheading, which involves removing spent flower spikes, encourages Black and Bloom Salvias to produce more blooms continuously throughout the growing season, extending the display of color. Snip off faded flower stalks. For bushier growth, light shearing can be done in mid to late summer. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the plant to about 3 inches above the soil line to promote fresh, strong growth.
Addressing Common Issues and Seasonal Care
Pests and Diseases
Black and Bloom Salvias are generally robust plants with good disease resistance. However, they can occasionally encounter common pests such as aphids and spider mites, particularly in very dry conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent issues like powdery mildew. If pests are observed, a strong blast of water from a hose can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be applied for more persistent infestations. Ensuring proper watering and spacing helps maintain overall plant health.
Winter Care
Winter care for Black and Bloom Salvias depends on your local climate zone. In warmer regions (USDA Zones 8-10), where they are perennials, plants typically die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring. In these perennial zones, applying a thick layer of mulch around the root zone in late fall provides additional protection. In cooler climates, where the plant is treated as an annual, it will not survive freezing temperatures outdoors. Gardeners can allow the plant to die back, or bring container-grown plants indoors to overwinter in a frost-free location.