Sarah Raven describes the flower colour of this variety as “Yves Saint Laurent blue”. Goodness. In fairness to Ms Raven this Salvia does have electric, royal blue flowers which are set in dark, almost black, calyces.
The newly released Lake series of Salvias are free flowering selections of S. guaranitica. Flowers are displayed well above the foliage on long stems held well above the foliage. More compact in growth than older selections growing 45-50cm tall and wide. Flowers, 25 to a stem, are produced very early in the spring and if given some extra watering during dry periods will bloom until late autumn. Nectar rich they are very attractive to honey eaters and bees. The foliage of this series is very dark green and the plants are compact enough to make terrific pot plants.