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In today’s post, we’re continuing our exploration of Southern California native plants, by discussing Mystic Spires sage (Salvia longispicata x farinacea). In the ever-evolving world of landscaping, finding plants that can survive while maintaining their beauty is invaluable. Caliscapes OC recommends using Mystic Spires for those sunny areas that prove too difficult for other plants to thrive in. The resilience of this plant lends itself to the heat of Southern California homes, promising to endure harsh weather while remaining beautiful. Mystic Spires offers a great alternative to non-native plants, while keeping your garden beautiful.
Planting & Maintenance
When planted in an area receiving 6-8 hours of daily sunlight, Mystic Spires can grow up to 48 inches wide and 30 inches tall. It is not recommended to plant these in areas with less than four hours of sunlight, as it will lower the amount of growth the plant achieves. While Mystic Spires have a hardy nature, it still benefits from regular watering. If planted alongside succulents and cacti, make sure the Mystic Spires receive extra water, or consider separating the plants into two different areas.
Yearly pruning is essential for maintaining compact size and aesthetic appeal. Trim plants back to the ground in January or February, leaving about eight inches of stem, and occasional prune during summer to maintain a neat appearance. Regularly fertilize either monthly from March to October, or with Agriform fertilizer tablets, to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Companion Plants
For companion plants to Mystic Spires, Caliscapes OC recommends the following for Southern California homeworkers: Mirror Plant (Coprosma repens ‘Marble Queen’), Scaevola (Scaevola aemula), and Sea Campion (Silene uniflora ‘Druett’s Variegated’). These offer both aesthetic appeal and harmonious growth when planted together. Mirror Plant’s textured foliage provides a striking contrast next to Mystic Spires’ vibrant blooms. While Scaevola, another ground cover option, enhances the landscape’s aesthetics without taking away from other plants. Additionally, Sea Campion is a great option as its resilience and beauty pairs well with Mystic Spires in any garden setting.
Making Smart, Informed Choices
Caliscapes OC prioritizes the continued use of native plants in Southern California, keeping homes beautiful and benefiting the ecosystem around us. With proper care, and companion plants like those listed above, Mystic Spires is an excellent addition to the overall beauty of Southern California home. With Caliscapes OC, you can learn how to use native plants in your area to benefit your home, and create a cohesive landscape that both looks amazing, and keeps the natural world around us thriving.
Caliscapes OC has helped over 427 Southern California homeowners with their landscape projects. We are a full-service landscape design and construction company specializing in premium, pool-free outdoor spaces. Renowned for our industry-leading workmanship and hands-on project management, Caliscapes OC consistently delivers outdoor spaces of unparalleled quality. Led by a team committed to excellence, we seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Proven by 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google, you can trust us to transform your outdoor spaces with precision, care, and attention to detail.
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