Salvia longispicata, commonly known as Long Spike Sage, is a perennial shrub native to the cloud forests and pine-oak woodlands of southwestern Mexico, typically found at elevations between 984-6562 feet. This species is characterized by its rapid growth rate, reaching 4 to 5 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width within a single growing season. It has a distinctive upright habit and is adorned with mid-green, ovate leaves. The plant’s most striking feature is its small, dark purple flowers that bloom profusely from summer to late autumn, creating a long-lasting display. The flowers are arranged in tight whorls along the inflorescences, which are somewhat obscured by the foliage, yet they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

Long Spike Sage is valued for its extended blooming period and the unique color of its flowers, which can add a touch of drama to any garden setting. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in pollinator gardens due to its attractiveness to bees and butterflies. In cultivation, Salvia longispicata prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and moderate watering, although it can tolerate periods of drought once established. The spontaneous sterile hybrid Salvia farinacea × longispicata ’Indigo Spires’, discovered at Huntington Library in 1979, is a popular cultivar known for its vigorous growth and long, indigo-colored flower spikes. While generally pest-free, Salvia longispicata can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require protection from snails and slugs.CC BY-SA 4.0