Plants of the Month: Westringia fruticosa and Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ (November 2024)

Although I have written about both these plants in the past, I have chosen them again as ‘Plants of the Month’ because the flower colouring of each is in harmony with one another and both brighten up a garden during the long winter months.

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal/Australian Rosemary): This is second plant I have grown of this variety over the years: the first, given to me as a rooted cutting, had a good branch structure and lasted several years in a pot, positioned on a south-facing table; the second was purchased this June from a specialist nursery at the Horniman Plant Fair and, once again, it has an attractive rounded shape, which means they are suitable for growing in pots whilst they are small.

This Australian shrub flowers for months on end, particularly during the winter. It’s drought and frost tolerant, easy to maintain and extremely attractive, with its displays of pale blue-mauve flowers complimenting the rosemary-like foliage.

In Australia, this shrub is seen in coastal regions and is popular in landscaping schemes, where it is planted as an alternative to ‘box mounds’ and as hedging.

If I planted my Westringia in the ground, it would grow to one metre or more but I like mine in a pot as it stands out. I will, however, plant it properly, in a terracotta pot, with drainage to protect it from frosts.  Cuttings were taken from my old plant and one was successful, and passed on to a friend with a balcony, where it should do very well.

Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ (Anise-scented sage/hummingbird sage): This is a wonderful perennial/sub-shrub, which I’ve grown for more than 30 years but it is not the original plant but cuttings from cuttings. This is my favourite salvia. It flowers from October-November through to about May, whereupon it rests for the summer and recommences flowering once again in late autumn.

A cultivar originating from South America, it is aptly named, as each of the rich blue flowers is supported by a near-black calyx. Mine likes moisture and is very happy growing in the soil next to the tap and protected by the south and west walls. It is vigorous – 6 to 7 foot tall – sending out exuberant aromatic foliage and stunning flowers on and off during the winter months if the weather is mild.  My ‘Black and Blue’ is too tall for a covering of fleece if a ‘Beast from the East’ happens to threaten us, but if a storm is imminent, I will tie it in and wrap it up as best I can and hope for the best!    I must remember to take some cuttings!

At the moment, the flowering stems are cascading over the paving, giving a slightly sub-tropical appearance to the seating area. This is such a choice specimen, it deserves to be given a prominent position in any garden so that it can stand out! Salvia  ‘Black and Blue definitely has the WOW factor.

Anna L