Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia 'Indigo Spires')

Botanical name

Salvia 'Indigo Spires'

Other names

Salvia 'Indigo Spires'

Genus

Salvia Salvia

Variety or Cultivar

'Indigo Spires' _ 'Indigo Spires' is a vigorous, clump-forming, borderline hardy, woody-based, herbaceous to semi-evergreen perennial with ovate, mid- to dark green leaves and upright spikes of whorled, purple-blue flowers from early summer into autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Foliage is scented

Habit

Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Blue, Purple in Summer; Purple, Blue in Autumn

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Cut back after flowering or in late winter to rejuvenate.

Propagation

Plants are sterile so do not produce viable seed.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Stem tip cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia 'Indigo Spires') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.2m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Wildlife, Banks and Slopes, City, Coastal, Containers

Cultivation

Plant in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a sheltered sunny site. Tends to flop under the weight of the flower spikes. Stake or pinch back. Semi-evergreen to evergreen in warm climates. Can be treated as an annual in cold areas.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia 'Indigo Spires')

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia 'Indigo Spires')

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia 'Indigo Spires')

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/