- **Type**: Perennial (herbaceous, evergreen in mild climates)

- **Height**: 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), up to 30 inches (75 cm) with flowers

- **Width**: 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm)

- **Growth Habit**: Compact, upright, well-branched, forming a dense mound

- **Foliage**:

- Dark green, oval to slightly heart-shaped leaves, 1 to 2 inches long (2.5 to 5 cm)

- Glossy texture, aromatic when crushed (typical of the mint family)

- Evergreen in frost-free zones; may die back in colder winters

- **Flowers**:

- Long spikes of deep purple-blue to true blue tubular blooms, up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall

- Densely packed, vibrant, with violet-purple calyces

- Bloom season: Early summer to frost (June to October/November), sometimes year-round in mild climates

- Lightly fragrant, attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates partial shade (4-6 hours)

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, moderately fertile; adapts to various soil types

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, prefers even moisture

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 7 to 10 (0°F or -18°C; can regrow from roots in Zone 7 with mulch)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts pollinators (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds); deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage

- **Care**:

- Deadheading optional (self-cleaning in improved forms); promotes reblooming

- Prune to 12 inches in fall after frost or to 6-8 inches in late winter/early spring

- Fertilize lightly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Highly resistant; occasional aphids, spider mites, or caterpillars possible

- Susceptible to root rot in soggy soil

- **Uses**: Borders, mass plantings, containers, pollinator gardens, or as a vertical accent

- **Growth Rate**: Moderate to fast; reaches mature size in one season under good conditions

- **Special Features**:

- Compact improvement over ‘Indigo Spires’ with more prolific blooms

- Heat and humidity tolerant, low maintenance

- Recognized as a Texas Superstar® plant

Mystic Spires Salvia’s stunning blue spikes and tidy growth make it a garden favorite, offering bold color and pollinator appeal with minimal effort. Let me know if you’d like more growing tips or pairing ideas!