Indigo Spires Sage Salvia 'Indigo Spires'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Indigo Spires', commonly known as 'Indigo Spires Sage', is a striking perennial with an eye-catching appearance. It is characterized by its long, curving flower spikes that boast a rich, vivid blue to indigo color. These flower spikes are densely packed with small florets and spiral upward, providing an elegant and dramatic effect. The plant has an open, airy habit with numerous branched stems that bear the bountiful flower displays. The foliage of the 'Indigo Spires Sage' consists of oval-shaped leaves that are a vibrant green color, with a slightly wrinkled texture and prominent veining. These leaves are often aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant fragrance typical of many sage varieties. The contrast between the deep indigo flowers and the fresh green leaves creates a lovely visual interest that makes this plant a favorite in gardens. Throughout its blooming season, which typically stretches from early summer through to the first frost, the 'Indigo Spires Sage' attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding to the dynamic nature of its display. The flowers are ideally suited for cutting and using in floral arrangements where their unique form and deep color can be appreciated up close. Overall, the 'Indigo Spires Sage' is a garden staple for those looking to add a touch of elegance and a pop of vibrant color. Its showy flower spikes and lush foliage work well in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and as a focal point among other flowering plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Indigo Spires Sage, Indigo Spires Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Indigo Spires'.
ToxicityTo humans
Indigo Spires sage is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individuals may have varying sensitivities, and it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Indigo Spires sage is not known to be toxic to pets. However, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's novelty to their diet, even if the plant is not inherently poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mexico Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Indigo Spires' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering season, usually from early summer until the first frost, providing prolonged visual interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Salvia 'Indigo Spires' requires minimal care, making it an easy addition for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: It can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Dramatic Visual Impact: With its striking deep blue to purple flowers and lush foliage, this salvia can serve as a focal point or accent in a landscape design.
- Deer Resistant: The foliage and stems have a scent that is unappealing to deer, so it's less likely to be damaged by grazing.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The blooms of the Salvia 'Indigo Spires' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- As a sleep aid: Placing dried Indigo Spires flowers in sachets under pillows may help promote a restful sleep due to its calming scent, similar to lavender.
- Erosion control: Planting Indigo Spires on slopes can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its extensive root system.
- As a floral arrangement filler: The long, spiked flowers of Indigo Spires can add height and structure to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Cooking herb: While not a common culinary herb, the leaves may be used in small quantities to infuse dishes with a unique flavor.
- As a photography subject: The vibrant flowers and interesting structure of Indigo Spires make it a popular subject for botanical photographers.
- As a natural insect repellent: Like many salvias, Indigo Spires may help deter certain insects when planted in the garden or used in dried flower arrangements.
- Companion planting: Indigo Spires can be planted alongside vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that can improve crop yields.
- Educational tool: The plant can be used in school projects and botanical studies to teach about plant biology and the importance of pollinators.
- Artistic inspiration: The striking appearance of Indigo Spires provides inspiration for artists and can be used as a model for drawing, painting, and other forms of art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Indigo Spires Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Indigo Spires Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom - The genus name "Salvia" comes from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," reflecting an ancient association with wisdom and wellness.
- Longevity - The long-lasting blooms of Salvia 'Indigo Spires' can symbolize a long life or lasting impact.
- Spiritual Insight - Salvia has been used in spiritual and shamanic practices for its believed ability to induce visions and promote deeper understanding.
- Protection - Historically, some Salvia species were thought to have protective qualities and were planted to ward off evil.
- Purification - The aromatic qualities of Salvias like 'Indigo Spires' have been associated with cleansing and purifying spaces.
WaterFor Indigo Spires salvia, it's essential to maintain consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Water thoroughly once a week providing about 1 inch of water each time, which equates to around 0.623 gallons per square foot. During periods of extreme heat or drought, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightIndigo Spires salvia thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting is a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the majority of the day. However, in very hot climates, it will appreciate some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.
TemperatureThe Indigo Spires salvia performs best in temperate conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can damage the plant, so ensure that it's in a location that stays above freezing point. Its ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, where it can thrive and produce abundant flowers.
PruningIndigo Spires salvia should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. Perform a more extensive pruning in early spring, cutting back the plant by about one-third to one-half to maintain shape and vitality. Pruning can also be done after the first flush of blooms fades.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Indigo Spires Sage flourishes in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal, promoting good drainage and fertility.
RepottingIndigo Spires Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Springtime is preferable for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingIndigo Spires Sage requires moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions. It thrives best when outdoor humidity ranges from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Indigo Spires', commonly known as Indigo Spires Sage, begins its life as a seed, which after sowing, germinates in warm conditions with adequate moisture. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing its first set of true leaves and establishing a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly, forming a bushy structure with characteristic elongated, pointed leaves, and preparing for the blooming phase. The flowering stage occurs during the warmer months when spikes of deep blue or violet flowers appear, attracting pollinators to the garden. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which mature within the calyces, later dispersing for the next generation if conditions are favorable. Indigo Spires Sage then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with perennial varieties regrowing from the base in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Salvia 'Indigo Spires', also known as Indigo Spires Sage, is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate Indigo Spires Sage by taking stem cuttings, one should select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) piece. It is usually best to do this in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The cutting should include several leaf nodes, and the lower leaves should be removed. The stem cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. To maintain high humidity around the cutting, it can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. Once the roots have developed, which can take a few weeks, the new Indigo Spires Sage plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or outside in the garden.
