Salvia guaranitica aka Anise Scented Sage

Salvia guaranitica is known as anise-scented sage or blue anise sage. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range includes Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It grows as a tender perennial with a bushy, spreading form. Some sources describe it as a subshrub. Tuberous roots help it survive harsh conditions and spread into nearby space.

Garden plants reach about 2–5 feet (0.6–1.5 metres) tall. Spread varies between sources. RHS gives about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre), while NC State reports up to 5 feet (1.5 metres). The plant grows fast and loses its leaves seasonally. Its dark green stems branch and have square cross sections. Oval leaves grow in pairs, with lightly toothed edges. Their upper faces look wrinkled, while their undersides are pale green. The foliage has a scent, and RHS describes hairy leaves.

Deep blue flowers rise in spikes above the leaves. Purple to blue-purple calyces surround the flower bases. Each flower has two lips. The upper lip arches over the stamens like a hood. The broad lower lip points down and has teeth. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from July through October. RHS places it from late summer into late autumn. Small fruits split into four parts, each holding one nutlet. Hummingbirds and butterflies visit for nectar. Carpenter bees reach nectar by cutting holes in flower tubes.

Grow this sage in full sun or light partial shade. It prefers moist soil with good drainage and plenty of humus. Light soils suit it, including sand and loam. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Established plants tolerate heat and drought, though garden water needs are moderate. Tall stems may need support. Removing old flower spikes helps extend the bloom season. Sources place it in USDA zones 8–10 and UK rating H3. Gardeners in colder regions can grow it as an annual. Potted plants need shelter when cold weather arrives.

Use it in beds, borders, pots, or cottage gardens. Its nectar supports wildlife gardens, and deer seldom damage it. Sources describe care as light, with few serious problems. Aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites can still occur. Disease risks include rust, leaf spots, mildews, wilt, and root or stem rots. RHS also lists rare cases of honey fungus. NC State records Guarani use of the plant as a sedative. The supplied sources do not establish edible parts or toxicity.