Botanical Name: Salvia longispicata x farinacea‘Mystic Spires Blue’
General information:
Jimmy Turner, past Director of Horticulture Research at the Dallas Arboretum, says, “So, what is so special about ‘Mystic Spires Blue?’ It blooms constantly – all summer – with 10- to 12-inch spikes of deep blue flowers, and stays short enough to use in residential landscapes without staking.”
According to San Marcus Growers, mystic spires blue salvia is a “hybrid between two large Mexican sages — Salvia longispicata and S. farinacea and was discovered as a chance hybrid seedling at the Huntington Botanic Garden in the 1970’s. Salvia Mystic Spires Blue comes out of the Ball FloraPlant breeding program in Illinois.” It is great for perennial beds, mass plantings, and large containers. The large blue spikes are a great companion for Black-eyed Susan or New Gold Lantana.
Characteristics
Size: 1 to 3 feet height and 1 foot wide
Flowers: 10 inch spikes of deep blue, fades to white
Bloom time: late spring through summer
Leaves: dark green; heavy stems, compact plant
Growing in North Texas
This easy to grow Texas Superstar® perennial needs full sun, needs well-drained soil to be cold hardy, and is low in water usage. No need to deadhead. This plant continues blooming and spent blooms turn white to add to the interest of the plant. Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prune this perennial in the spring after growth returns. If necessary, after the first frost, cut back to 1 foot tall. Do not cut this plant to the ground. Propagate new plants from seed, stem cuttings in spring/summer, or division of the root ball.
Mystic Spires Blue
References:
Keywords (tags) blue, summer color, mass planting, container, perennial, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds