‘Mystic Spires’ is a compact version of ‘Indigo Spires’ salvia — believed to have originated as an irradiated seedling. Spikes of deep purple blooms thrive during the hottest months, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Mystic Spires stays fairly tidy, well-branched, and everblooming. The flower stalks provide upright texture in a mixed border during summer (unlike its parent plant — which grows so big it tends to fall on its face.)
Provide good drainage; excess water can cause the plant to growth with leaves only and no blooms. Avoid fertilizer for the same reasons. During extreme summer scorch (July-August) it responds well to supplemental water every 10 days or so; the large, rounded leaves will flag when the plant is getting thirsty. Cut back if needed (to 10′ stems) after freeze damage. Mystic spires can be restarted (cut to the ground) once growth begins again in spring.
It’s a compact plant, but deadheading and occasional pruning (by a third) can be practiced.
