Wayside Gardens Salvia Smokey Jazz
Best low maintenance perennial for adding dramatic color to sunny borders.
A vibrant, anise-scented perennial that brings continuous color to the garden from spring through fall. Its compact, rounded habit and dark foliage make it an excellent choice for containers or borders, while its nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds.
$24.95
Who it's for
- Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to support local biodiversity in their gardens
- Busy homeowners seeking high-impact color with very little upkeep
- Gardeners looking for dramatic, moody accents in sunny borders
Who should skip it
- Shade-heavy property owners unable to provide consistent direct sunlight
- Northern gardeners living in extremely cold climates with severe winters
- Hands-off growers who prefer plants that self-clean without intervention
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Anise-scented blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbird populations.
Visual Contrast
Berry-colored flowers against smoky black calyxes create a dramatic garden focal point.
Heat Tolerance
Dark green foliage remains lush and vibrant even during peak summer heat.
Growth Habit
Improved branching creates a tidy, compact shape without needing constant staking.
Bloom Longevity
Consistent re-blooming potential keeps color in the garden through mid-fall.
Regional Versatility
Strict hardiness zones limit perennial status to warmer, frost-free climates.
Key Specs
Genus
Salvia
Species
x guarantica
Variety
'Smokey Jazz'
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Width
3 feet
Light Exposure
Full Sun
Watering Needs
Moist, well-drained
Bloom Time
Mid Spring to Mid Fall
Flower Color
Light Purple
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Know before you buy
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