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Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'

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Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'

(Rhythm and Blues Anise-Scented Sage) The large, deep bluish-purple flowers of Salvia BODACIOUS ‘Rhythm and Blues’ are shaped like parrot beaks and supported by black calyxes. It's foliage smells sweet with a hint of licorice. It's superior to the old standby Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Rhythm and Blues Anise-Scented Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 7 - 10
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 36"+"/36"/48"+
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained & rich
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Patent # This plant is patented, or a patent application has been filed and is pending and may not be propagated, under U.S. Federal Code, Title 35, Part II, Chapter 15 §161 without a license from the patent holder. 29,585
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
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  • Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
  • Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
  • Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Best of Class
Best of Class
We believe this to be the best Anise Scented Sage.
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(Rhythm and Blues Anise-Scented Sage) The large, deep bluish-purple flowers of Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues' are shaped like parrot beaks and supported by black calyxes. Heavily veined and dense, its deep green foliage smells sweet with a hint of licorice-like anise. Butterflies and hummingbirds love it.

This is a Salvia guaranitica - also called Anise-Scented Sage - which is a species native to Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Most Anise-Scented Sages are soft herbaceous perennials. Rhythm and Blues is a  perennial and subshrub, which means that it combines both soft and woody growth. The woodiness gives it greater resistance against breakage, which is one reason why it is a superior version of the older Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue'. Also, Rhythm and Blues has thicker, deeper green leaves and larger, more numerous flowers than Black & Blue.

In areas where winter temperatures are moderate, S. guaraniticas return year after year. Where winter temperatures are chilly, they are excellent annuals due to rapid growth and long bloom. In addition, you can store their tuberous dahlia-like roots indoors during winter for spring planting.

Similar to all S. guaraniticas, Rhythm and Blues is heat-tolerant, needs rich, well-drained soil, and loves moisture but can get by with average watering. For best growth, plant it in a location providing full sun to partial shade.

Salvia BODACIOUS 'Rhythm and Blues' first appeared for sale at Flowers by the Sea Farm and Online Nursery in 2017. Similar to the newer Salvia BODACIOUS 'Smokey Jazz',  Rhythm and Blues was introduced by and is a product of the FBTS plant development program. Together, they are excellent companions in a sage garden.