Mystic Spires Blue Salvia Salvia Mystic Spires Blue = 'Balsalmisp' (PBR)
![sage [Mystic Spires Blue]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b61c49ce4c.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Salvia Mystic Spires Blue, often known simply as Mystic Spires Blue, presents a striking appearance with lush green foliage that serves as a backdrop for its standout feature: long, slender spires of vivid blue flowers. The leaves are typically ovate to lance-shaped, with a slightly wrinkled texture and a tendency to be aromatic when crushed. The plant's deep blue flowers are densely packed in whorls around each spike, and these blooms are known for their ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds who are drawn to their nectar-rich composition. Mystic Spires Blue is a hardy plant that holds its shape well, appearing bushy and full. It maintains a compact form, creating a neat and tidy appearance in garden settings. Its flowers have a tubular shape and are small and individual, but grouped together, they create a significant visual impact. This salvia variety blooms profusely, often from late spring through to the first frosts, providing a long-lasting display of color in gardens and landscapes. As a cultivated variety, Mystic Spires Blue is often praised for its improved characteristics over wild types, such as prolonged flowering time and a more manageable growth habit that makes it suitable for a range of garden applications, including borders, flower beds, and containers. The combination of its intense blue flowers and pleasant green leaves creates a contrasting tapestry that can enliven any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Mystic Spires Blue Salvia, Mystic Spires Blue Sage
Common names
Salvia longispicata x farinacea 'Balsalmisp' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Mystic Spires Blue, more commonly known as Blue Sage, is not widely regarded as a toxic plant to humans. In gardening and botanical sources, there is typically no significant warning or concern about the toxicity for general adult human population. However, it is always prudent not to ingest garden plants as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some individuals due to their chemical constituents not typically found in human food plants. Symptoms from ingesting non-food plants like Blue Sage are not well-documented but might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in cases of significant ingestion. If any part of the plant is consumed and adverse effects are noticed, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Mystic Spires Blue, known as Blue Sage, is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. There is limited evidence to suggest that the plant has severe toxicity effects on pets. However, as pets may react differently to various plants and plant material, ingesting Blue Sage might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. While serious consequences are not common, if a pet ingests part of the plant and displays concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Long Bloom Season: The Mystic Spires Blue salvia provides flowers throughout the summer and into fall, offering extended visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which can help pollinate gardens and ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this salvia variety is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in dry climates.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the occasional trimming, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those seeking low-effort landscaping.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, beds, and container planting, allowing for versatility in garden design and use of space.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its natural resistance deters deer and rabbits, protecting it from grazing and reducing the need for additional repellents.
- Compact Growth: 'Balsalmisp' has a compact and bushy growth habit, which makes it ideal for small spaces and avoiding the need for staking.
- Vivid Coloration: The deep blue to purple flowers add vibrant color to any garden palette, providing a striking contrast against green foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The chopped leaves of Salvia Mystic Spires Blue can be infused into oils and vinegars to add a unique flavor to salads and marinades.
- Pressed Sage flowers can be used in crafting, such as making botanical paper or natural potpourri.
- Dried Sage blooms can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft green or yellow hue depending on the mordant used.
- Fresh or dried flowers can be incorporated into homemade candles for decoration and a subtle fragrance.
- Salvia Mystic Spires Blue can be planted in outdoor pet areas as they are generally non-toxic and may help deter pests.
- These plants can be used in rain gardens as they are tolerant of occasional flooding and can help with water management in your yard.
- As a companion plant, Salvia Mystic Spires Blue attracts beneficial insects and pollinators that can help improve the health and yield of vegetable gardens.
- The stems of the plant can be woven into small wreaths or other decorative items when dried and become woody.
- Essential oil extracted from the leaves can be used in aromatherapy diffusers to create a calming environment in the home.
- In photography or art projects, the vibrant blue spires can serve as a striking natural subject or backdrop.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSalvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySalvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Similar to other salvias, Mystic Spires Blue is often associated with healing both in a physical and spiritual sense due to the plant’s history in herbal medicine.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia comes from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," and is frequently connected to seeking wisdom and guidance.
- Protection: Many believe sage plants, including Mystic Spires Blue, have the ability to ward off evil and offer protective properties.
- Longevity: Owing to its hardy nature and perennial growth, Mystic Spires Blue may symbolize endurance and long life.
- Serenity: The blue color of the Mystic Spires flowers is often tied to tranquility, calmness, and peace, suggesting a sense of serenity.
- Immortality: In some cultures, the sage is a symbol of immortality, and the long-lasting blooms of Mystic Spires could echo this meaning.
WaterMystic Spire Salvia should be watered regularly, particularly during the growing season, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before re-watering to avoid overwatering. Typically, watering once or twice a week with about 1 inch of water should suffice, but this can vary based on climate conditions. During hot, dry spells, the plant may need extra water, but be cautious of waterlogging. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture.
LightMystic Spire Salvia thrives in full sun to partial shade, but the best flowering occurs in full sun. Choose a spot where the plant will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can reduce blooming and cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureMystic Spire Salvia prefers warm temperatures and will perform best in a range with a minimum temperature of about 50°F and a maximum temperature below 90°F. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 70°F and 80°F. While it can survive light frost, it is generally considered a tender perennial, so protection or overwintering may be necessary if temperatures consistently fall below 50°F.
PruningPruning Mystic Spire Salvia is essential for maintaining a bushy, healthy shape and encouraging more blooms. Prune early in the spring to remove any winter damage and again after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done regularly throughout the growing season to promote continuous flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Mystic Spires Blue Salvia is well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend garden soil with compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the nutrients necessary for growth.
RepottingMystic Spires Blue Salvia should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish nutrients and prevent root-bound conditions. Choose a container slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingMystic Spires Blue Salvia prefers average to low humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, occasional watering, and warmth for indoor Mystic Spires Blue.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, use well-draining soil, and water moderately for outdoor Mystic Spires Blue.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Mystic Spires Blue Salvia ('Balsalmisp') begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges as a seedling under appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. Following germination, the seedling develops into a vegetative state, characterized by the growth of foliage and roots. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing tall spikes of deep blue to purple flowers, which is when it is most attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small fruit which contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are not favorable for seed dispersal and growth, the plant can also reproduce vegetatively through basal cuttings, allowing new plants to be cloned from the parent. At the end of the growing season, if the plant is not in a perennial climate it may die, but if it is hardy to the climate, it can enter a period of dormancy and regrow the next season from the root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating the plant commonly known as Salvia Mystic Spires Blue involves taking softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just starting to harden but is still flexible. To do this, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 5-inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) length, making the cut just below a node. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is beneath the soil surface. The pot is placed in a warm location with indirect light, and the soil is kept consistently moist until roots have developed, usually within a few weeks.
