Is The Blue Mystic Spires Salvia Resistant To Deer?

Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ is a semi-evergreen perennial known for its vibrant deep blue flowers and dense, upright growth. This hybrid is a smaller version of its parent, Salvia ‘Indigo Spires,’ offering the same appealing characteristics in a more manageable size. It is easy to grow, fairly pest and disease-free, and is deer resistant due to its strong, aromatic foliage. The plant spreads out 36 inches and more as the season progresses, reaching about two feet tall by mid-August.

Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ is a compact form of Salvia ‘Indigo Spires,’ a hybrid between two large Mexican sages, Salvia longispicata and Salvia farinacea. It produces masses of true blue flowers that mix nicely with other annuals and perennials, is tolerant of heat and humidity (low and high), and is not bothered by pests or diseases or deer. While promoted as deer tolerant, gardeners are reporting that deer are eating this salvia in Bexar County.

The ‘Improved’ form sheds dead petals for a more attractive appearance. However, it is relatively resistant to deer and rabbits, likely due to its aromatic foliage, which tends to be less appealing to these grazers. If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, plant salvia. While its fragrant foliage is not preferred by deer, all sorts of bees, butterflies, and other wildlife love it.

Mystic Spires Salvia is a result of the cross between Salvia longispicata and Salvia farinacea, renowned for its long-lasting blooms and striking blue hue. It is deer resistant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and provides a beautiful contrast to pink, red, and yellow annuals. It is relatively low maintenance, has no pests and disease issues, and deer tend to pass them over for plants.

Do deer eat blue Salvia?

The author has been adding more blue salvias to their gardens, as they are deer-resistant, attract bees and hummingbirds, and provide a beautiful contrast to pink, red, and yellow annuals. This summer, they have four types of salvias: two perennials and two annuals. The annuals are Blue Suede Shoes and Mystic Spires. The Blue Suede Shoes is a 40-inch tall, wide plant with dainty blooms and a beautiful green foliage.

The Mystic Spires is a more spectacular performer, with bees loving its large blue flower spires. However, the plant is robust to a fault, as its heavy blooms can break off whole branches. Despite this, the plant continues to produce new blooms and regenerate branches until frost.

Are blue salvias hardy?

This hardy perennial plant produces blue flowers and aromatic foliage, rendering it suitable for cultivation in containers and in gardens. It is only necessary to provide protection in the event of severe frost. A new 2024 salvia plant, valued at £8. 75, will be provided free of charge with any purchase of £60 or more made before the end of April.

Is mystic spires blue salvia a perennial?

Mystic Spires Blue Salvia is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and heat. To maintain its health, it should be pruned back to half its height in the spring and planted with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Watering is crucial throughout the summer to ensure even soil, as overly soggy soil can lead to root rot. Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Regular pest and disease checks are necessary to prevent spreading.

To promote continuous flowering, remove faded blooms during summer and trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth. Trim the plant back slightly in early fall to help transition into cooler weather. Apply another round of fertilizer in late fall to nourish it through the winter months. Protect the plant from frost by covering it on cold nights and limit watering to prevent root rot. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to maintain its size and shape.

For optimal growth and flowering, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 14-14-14 (N-P-K) at planting time. Top-dress the soil with a light layer of compost and switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer throughout the growing season to encourage blossom production. Avoid over-fertilizing to avoid salt buildup in the soil and damage to the salvia.

Prune the plant in early spring and mid-summer to promote bushier growth and profuse blooming. Focus on removing old growth and neatening the overall shape of the plant. Avoid pruning in the fall to prevent an unhealthy plant during cold winter months. Use clean, sharp pruning tools for clean cuts and disease prevention.

What eats blue Salvia?

Garden snails and slugs, part of the Mollusk family, can damage Salvias overnight, especially in moist coastal areas. They are attracted to the tender foliage of various Salvia Splendens cultivars, such as Peach Scarlet Sage. Handpicking these critters is an eco-friendly and effective control method, especially in small gardens. Collecting them in a lidded container with a screw top is recommended, as strong slugs can pop the lids off old yogurt containers.

Mollusks are also a good source of protein for fowl. A beer-trap strategy can be used, but containers should be raised above ground level to avoid drowning other beneficial ground insects, including beetles that prey on snails and slugs.

Do deer eat mystic spires Salvia?

Mystic Spires Blue Salvia is a compact form of the popular ‘Indigo Spires’, which produces true blue flowers that mix well with other annuals and perennials. It is tolerant of heat and humidity, and is not affected by pests, diseases, or deer. The ‘Improved’ form sheds dead petals for a cleaner look in the garden. The name will be dropped after 2018, as the original form is no longer available. The plant adapts to most soils but requires good drainage.

Where is best to plant salvias?

Salvias are popular, fast-growing plants that thrive in sheltered, sunny positions with well-drained soil. They are suitable for south-facing borders, gravel gardens, raised beds, coastal locations, and exotic and subtropical planting schemes. Some, like Salvia glutinosa, tolerate light shade. These plants bloom for a long period in summer and early autumn, producing tubular, two-lipped flowers in various colors.

They are easy to grow, suitable for beds, borders, and containers. They are drought-tolerant once established, hardy, and attractive to pollinators like bees. They can be propagated easily by seed or softwood cuttings and are generally free from pests and diseases.

Is salvia mystic spires toxic to dogs?

Salvias are generally considered non-toxic, but some dogs and people may experience allergic reactions or illness if they consume enough leaves. Salvia divinorum, a Mexican native, is the only salvia known to be hallucinogenic. It is not commonly used in gardens and is not sold in the gardening trade. Salvia divinorum has drawn controversy due to its potential legal use as a mind-altering herb, which is not legal in most U. S. states.

Do deer eat mystic spires salvia?

Mystic Spires Blue Salvia is a compact form of the popular ‘Indigo Spires’, which produces true blue flowers that mix well with other annuals and perennials. It is tolerant of heat and humidity, and is not affected by pests, diseases, or deer. The ‘Improved’ form sheds dead petals for a cleaner look in the garden. The name will be dropped after 2018, as the original form is no longer available. The plant adapts to most soils but requires good drainage.

Do blue salvias like sun or shade?

Black and Blue salvias thrive in full sun and prefer moist, well-drained soils. They can become heat and drought-tolerant once established, but should be sheltered from cold winds. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms, and pruning them in late winter is recommended. Dividing clumps every couple of years can make them more attractive. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division, and in colder climates, the tuberous roots can be harvested in early autumn and stored in a cool dark area.

In warm climates, the plant may be evergreen through winter. The stems are dark green and grow to 3 to 5 feet tall, while the leaves appear wrinkled and paler green. The deep cobalt blue flowers with the black calyx are distinctive, and hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the nectar. Many bees are also known to be nectar robbers, chewing or drilling holes through the calyx to access the nectar directly.

Is salvia mystic spires poisonous to dogs?

It has been established that Salvia is not toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. However, ingestion of significant quantities may result in gastric distress. Deer are susceptible to the effects of salvias due to their potent aromatic profile. The majority of salvias flourish in full sunlight; however, certain varieties are capable of thriving in partially shaded environments. A number of alternative options are available, including:

Is salvia mystic spires deer resistant?

The salvia, renowned for its distinctive flowers, exhibits resilience to elevated temperatures and humidity, as well as tolerance to pests and diseases. However, in Bexar County, gardeners have observed deer consuming this plant. Additionally, the “Improved” form sheds dead petals, which may contribute to a cleaner garden appearance.