I grew my first B&B's last year, and I'm in love!! I bought 2 plants in the Spring, put them in half whiskey barrels, they got huge, and have large tubers on the roots now. They should come back this year. I took cuttings in mid-Summer, and they rooted & bloomed by the end of the season. Four of them are overwintering in my house. The link below is to the Salvia forum, you can get much more info there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Results of Search for B&B on Salvia Forum

I have grown this plant for over 15 years and it draws hummers over red flowers in my garden. I suggest you purchase a plant that is reasonably sized and put it where you don't mind it running since it does tend to spread itself around by underground rhizomes. It overwinters for me in zone 7a here in NC with no issues. If you have any doubts if it will overwinter for you, you can lift the rhizomes in the fall after the top has been frosted back and store the rhizomes in a pot in an unheated garage. Just periodically check the rhizomes and don't let them dry out. In the spring, replant the clump back outside where you want it to grow.

Thank you! I'm in 7A also, so if yours are always OK, mine should be too? I'm hoping for something I don't have to tend in the winter.

I have a great spot for it with high visibility and room to spread. I'll just track down a plant and give it some TLC!

THANKS AGAIN!

Ann

I live in 6b/7a and have grown Black & Blue for many years in the ground. It doesn't spread quite as quickly as it does in more southern zones but it does expand. If I were wanting a big patch I would order a few to arrive in early March, repot them in larger pots, feed them, and root cuttings from the new shoots. You could quadruple your stock by mid May and so increase your planting. Before you get too hooked on guaranitica Black & Blue you might want to consider your options. Another favorite which blooms better for me is Brazil and last year in its first year here Blue Ensign also did well. A popular one at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania is Kobalt.

The key to survival is dry feet in winter and early spring.

Thank you Wardda! I'll look them up!

I can't believe it's time to order plants already!

: ))))

Ann

Yes, they are a hummer magnet as I can attest to over the last 3 years. From seed you take a chance they may not come true . Might be best to start a few plants then take cuttings from those to be sure. Also these do not have to be in full sun to do well. In my area zone 6 I have not had any live thru my winter .