Mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) is a beautiful plant with a not-so-great name. No wonder it’s also called blue salvia for its stunning purple-blue flowers that bloom on spikes from spring into late summer. The word ‘mealy’ means flour and refers to the plant’s silvery dusted leaves and stems. This plant grows wild in Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas and is easy to grow and maintain in full sun or partial shade. In most zones it acts like an annual, but in warmer zones (8 to 10) it’s considered a perennial. Plants grow in clumps and typically reach 1 to 2 feet in height.

Sun Exposure

• Full to partial sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH

• 6.0 to 7.0

Hardiness Zones

• 8 to 10 as a perennial

Spacing

• Grows 1 to 2 feet in height
• Spread of 1 to 2 feet

Moisture

• Water deeply 1 inch a week
• Moist but well-drained soil

Notes

• Spectacular flowers – attracts pollinators
• Deadheading increases flower production
• Pungent scent
• Deer resistant
• Great for borders, containers, and mass plantings

Do you grow mealycup sage? Do you treat it as an annual or perennial? Please tell us about your blue salvia.