Salvia guaranitica
Salvia guaraniticaUSDA | Grow Zone
8-11Outdoors all year in zones 8 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 32°F.
- Light
- Full sun, 6-8 hours
- Water
- Top inch dry between waterings
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 3-4 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Pets
- Non-toxic to pets and children
Salvia guaranitica, also known as Brazilian sage, is a stunning perennial native to South America. Known for its vibrant blue flowers and aromatic foliage, it attracts pollinators and adds beauty to any garden. This resilient plant thrives in sunny locations and is relatively easy to care for.
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Ideal temperature
65-80°F is where it grows fastest. Below 32°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 3-4 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Salvia guaranitica prefers moderate watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks, increasing frequency in hot weather. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause wilting and leaf drop.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ideal placement is in a sunny garden bed or container that receives ample light. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Soil
Salvia guaranitica prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is recommended to ensure good drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant enjoys moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or use a humidity tray. Signs of low humidity include browning leaf tips and increased susceptibility to pests.
Temperature
Salvia guaranitica thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and is hardy in zones 8-11.
It can tolerate brief periods of cold but should be protected from frost. In extreme heat, ensure adequate watering to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar, applying every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
In fall, reduce fertilization as the plant enters dormancy. Signs of nutrient deficiency include pale leaves and poor growth.
Pruning
Prune Salvia guaranitica in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and encourage bushier growth.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears for best results. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will promote additional flowering.
Repotting
Repot every 1-2 years or when the roots become pot-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs that repotting is needed include roots growing out of the drainage holes and decreased growth. When repotting, gently loosen the roots and place in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or seeds.
For cuttings, take 4-6 inch sections from healthy stems in spring, remove lower leaves, and place in moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location until roots develop. Seeds can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
This can be caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Check soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly. Fertilize if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
Root rot
Why it happens
Root rot is typically caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and reduce watering frequency. If root rot occurs, remove affected roots and repot in fresh soil.
Pest infestations (aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
Pests thrive in dry conditions and can weaken the plant.
How to fix it
Regularly inspect the plant for pests and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light can lead to elongated stems.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a sunnier location to encourage compact growth.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
This can be a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and ensure consistent watering practices.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, focus on pruning back any dead stems and fertilizing to promote new growth. Ensure consistent watering as temperatures rise.
Summer
During summer, monitor for pests and maintain regular watering, especially in hot weather. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Continue to deadhead flowers and consider applying a light layer of mulch to protect roots.
Winter
In winter, limit watering to every 2-3 weeks and protect the plant from frost. If grown in containers, consider bringing it indoors or providing insulation.
Toxicity & Safety
Salvia guaranitica is considered non-toxic to pets and children. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets.
Good to know
How often should I water my Salvia guaranitica?
Water Salvia guaranitica every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
What type of soil is best for Salvia guaranitica?
A well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. A combination of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well.
Why are my Salvia guaranitica leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and consider fertilizing if needed.
Can I grow Salvia guaranitica indoors?
While it can be grown indoors, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours of direct light daily, to thrive.
How do I propagate Salvia guaranitica?
You can propagate Salvia guaranitica through stem cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take healthy stems in spring and place them in moist potting mix.
What pests affect Salvia guaranitica?
Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap can help manage infestations.
When should I prune my Salvia guaranitica?
Prune in early spring to remove dead stems and promote bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season will encourage more blooms.
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