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Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
Salvia 'Indigo Spires'

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Salvia 'Indigo Spires'

(Indigo Spires Sage) Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ gains its name from long spikes of rich, deep purple-blue flowers that stand tall and also arch and twist gracefully. It is a chance hybrid discovered  growing amid Salvia farinacea and Salvia longispicata at Southern California's Huntington Gardens.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Indigo Spires Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 7 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 36"+/36"+/48"+
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Any well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
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  • Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Indigo Spires Sage) Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ gains its name from long spikes of rich, deep purple-blue flowers that stand tall and also arch and twist gracefully. Horticulturist John MacGregor of Southern California’s Huntington Gardens discovered this chance hybrid in 1979 growing amid Salvia farinacea and Salvia longispicata at the gardens.

Also called Mealycup Sage, S. farinacea is a North American native from Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. As its common name indicates, S. longispicata (Long Spike Mexican Sage) is native to Mexico.

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love the nectar of Indigo Spires Sage, a subshrub combining soft herbaceous and woody growth. It is a long-blooming perennial in areas where winters are chilly and a perennial in warmer climates.

Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ is heat tolerant and can be planted in locations with exposures ranging from full sun to partial shade. Whether grown in ground or in a container, it requires a well-drained, rich growing medium. Give it average watering based on local precipitation.

One more important point in this plant’s favor: Deer tend to avoid Indigo Spires despite its tasty appearance.