Plant Information:
Common Names:
Indigo Spires
Botanical Name:
Salvia Indigo Spires, Indigo Spires Sage
Plant Family:
Salvia farinacea x longispicata ‘Indigo Spires’
Sun Requirements:
Full – Partial Shade
Bloom Period:
Spring to Frost
Seasonal Color:
Deep Purple
Mature Height x Spread:
4×4 ft
‘Indigo Spires’ Salvia is a cross between Salvia farinacea and Salvia longispicata, and is a favorite among gardeners for its long blooming period and low maintenance needs. Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage) is native to Central Texas, but Salvia longispicata is thought to be a native of Mexico.
It thrives in full sun and will produce a large 4×4 mound of lush green foliage with a multitude of deep purple flower spikes that attract an abundance of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds from spring through frost. During winter it usually dies back to the ground, but takes off growing quickly from the crown when spring arrives.
Planting Indigo Spires in Central Texas
When to plant: They can be planted year round but it’s best to plant Indigo Spires in early spring or late fall, so they have time to establish their roots before the heat of summer kicks in. If planted in summer, they’ll need more water to become established.
Where to plant: You’ll want to plant Indigo Spires in a place that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day for an abundance of blooms. They can tolerate some shade but they perform best in full sun, and will become leggy if they don’t receive enough. Their mature size is 4×4 ft wide so you’ll want to give them plenty of room when planting them.
How to plant: Dig a hole 2x as wide as the pot the Indigo Spires were bought in, and just deep enough where the crown is even with the soil. They need well-draining soil so you may need to work in 4-6″ of compost in clay soil. After planting the Indigo Spires, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plant and water. They can also be planted in large containers that are 2 sizes larger than the pot they come in when purchased.
Caring for Indigo Spires in Central Texas
They’re fairly easy to care for and only require periodic pruning and watering to keep them manageable and healthy.
How to water: For the first two years, they should be watered about once or twice a week in the spring and summer. In the winter, they only need to be watered once a month. Once established, they should be watered every two to four weeks in the summer, and every four to six weeks in the wintertime. If planted in a container, they should be watered every 2 to 3 days because the soil will dry out quicker.
How to prune: They should be trimmed yearly in late winter/early spring when new shoots start growing. To maintain a 3ft rose bush they can be trimmed down to 12 inches. Otherwise, prune as needed to allow airflow in between branches to help promote health.
How to fertilize: To encourage an abundance of blooms, double knockout roses should be fertilized in the spring after the first wave of flowering. Be sure to water before to help prevent burning the roots, and avoid fertilizing in the summer.
Gardening Tools for Maintaining Indigo Spires
