Indigo Spires Sage

Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun; part shade OK

Flowers: Long spikes, “spires,” 6” inches or longer, of deep “indigo” blue flowers.  Each spire flower stem is made up of many little tubular flowers. Blooms constantly from mid-April through hard freezing weather.  Though there may be other plants with more awesome flowers, no plant out-blooms an Indigo Spires Sage.  

Landscape Use: Because of its large size, it is best used as a background or centerpiece plant. Use silver, white, or yellow color plants to bring out the deep blue color.

Container Use: Does well in a large container with regular water, trimming and fertilization.

Size: 5’ feet tall and 5’ feet wide within two years.

Type: Perennial that returns faithfully after freezing weather in spring.

Deer Resistance: Very deer resistant.  Deer may eat the flowers once or twice a year when stressed out, or out of curiosity, but the plant recovers so quickly damage will not be noticed long. Hummingbirds/Butterflies: Hummingbirds love it.

Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with regular watering.

Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.

Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Easy Watering Principle= Water every day the first week; every second day the second week; every third day the third week; every fourth day the fourth week; every fifth day the fifth week. A soaking rainfall should last for about two weeks worth of watering. Do not keep constantly wet.

Fertilizer: Looks much healthier with regular fertilization. Maintenance Tips: A common complaint is that the plant gets too large, so make sure you have room for the 5x5 foot size since it will cover up smaller plantings in its area.  Keep the plant tidier and smaller by cutting it back often. You will probably only delay its constant re-blooming by about two weeks each time you cut it back.  

Rating: Rates high if you water regularly during dry periods. 

salvia farinacea