Salvia BODACIOUS 'Smokey Jazz'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting vibrant, hummingbird-friendly container displays.
Introducing Salvia BODACIOUS® 'Smokey Jazz', a vibrant perennial designed for continuous bloom from mid-spring to mid-fall. This variety boasts striking berry-colored flowers set against unique smoky black calyxes, with dark green foliage that retains its color through summer heat. Its naturally compact, rounded habit makes it ideal for beds, borders, and containers. Attracting hummingbirds with its anise scent, it's a perfect addition to pollinator gardens. For optimal growth, prune after the first flowering to encourage more branching and abundant blooms.
$27.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1075
/ 2656
#1075 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
SKU
27811
Who it's for
- Design-focused landscapers seeking unique, moody floral aesthetics
- Eco-conscious homeowners looking to support local pollinator populations
- Busy gardeners wanting reliable, long-lasting seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing affordable, widely available plant varieties
- Urban gardeners with limited balcony or small bed space
- Low-maintenance enthusiasts preferring hands-off plant care
Performance breakdown
Bloom Duration
Continuous flowering from mid-spring to mid-fall provides exceptional seasonal color.
Pollinator Appeal
Anise-scented blooms act as a reliable magnet for local hummingbird populations.
Heat Resilience
Dark foliage remains vibrant even when summer temperatures climb significantly.
Growth Habit
Naturally compact, rounded structure fits perfectly into tight garden borders.
Maintenance Effort
Requires strategic pruning after the first flush to maximize branching potential.
Drought Tolerance
Established plants handle dry spells well, though consistent moisture aids performance.
Key Specs
SKU
27811
Genus
Salvia
Variety
'Smokey Jazz'
Item Form
1-Quart
Bloom Color
Light Purple, Berry-colored
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Soil Type
Normal, loamy
Features
- Blooms continuously throughout the season
- Compact, rounded habit
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Anise-scented flowers
- Drought tolerant
- Maintains foliage color in heat
- Versatile for beds, borders, and containers
- Unique berry and smoky calyx colors
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vigor of Salvia 'Smokey Jazz'. Gardeners note its impressive performance, highlighting how easily it establishes and maintains a robust, full shape throughout the season. The unique, deep purple coloration is a major draw, delivering a sophisticated aesthetic that elevates garden design. Reviewers frequently mention its reliability as a continuous bloomer and its effectiveness in attracting pollinators, making it a high value addition to the landscape.
Know before you buy
This Salvia thrives in full sun and requires well-drained, loamy soil. Ensure the planting site does not stay waterlogged, as good drainage is essential for its health.
Salvia 'Smokey Jazz' is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11. If you live in a climate with colder winters, you may need to treat it as an annual or provide significant winter protection.
At maturity, this variety reaches a height and spread of approximately 3 feet. Its compact, rounded habit makes it well-suited for containers, borders, or smaller garden beds.
To encourage branching and a second flush of flowers, prune the plant back after its first flowering cycle. This maintenance helps maintain its tidy, mound-shaped habit throughout the season.
Yes, the anise-scented, berry-colored flowers are specifically known to attract hummingbirds. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local pollinator populations.
It is quite resilient; the dark green foliage is designed to retain its color even during hot summer months. Additionally, the plant is drought-tolerant once established, though it still requires medium water needs.
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$28