Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage)
Mealy Cup Sage, Mealycup Sage, Farinaceous Sage, Blue Salvia, Blue Sage, Salvia earlei, Salvia farinacea var. farinacea, Salvia farinacea var. latifolia
Prized by gardeners for its long blooming season and ornamental flowers, Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage) is an upright or sprawling tender perennial boasting attractive spikes, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), densely packed with small, violet-blue, two-lipped flowers that peek from the calyces. Blooming off and on from spring to frost, the blossoms are borne in axillary and terminal racemes on erect, branching, square stems clad with long, narrow, aromatic, gray-green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm). Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Resembling lavender with its rich flower spikes, Mealy Cup Sage is a colorful addition to perennial borders, wildflower meadows, rock gardens or containers.
- Typically grows in thick, round clumps, up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm)
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average to rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Drought and poor soils are tolerated. Wet soil will make this plant leggy and weak.
- Provides a welcomed vertical accent to beds, borders as well as containers.
- Highly popular for its long-lasting flowers that make excellent cut flowers and compliment any dried arrangements, Salvia farinacea is among the most rewarding plants in the summer garden.
- Easy to grow, low maintenance, and blends nicely with any other annuals or perennials for the best effect!
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for downy and powdery mildew. Tends to be ignored by deer and rabbits.
- Perennial in hardiness zones 8 - 10, it may be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
- After a long flowering period, you may wish to cut it halfway back to produce thicker, more compact foliage and a shorter flowering plant. Pruning may delay flowering for several weeks, but will prevent legginess.
- Propagate by seed or cuttings.
- Native from New Mexico to Florida.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Salvia - Sages |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Southeast, Florida, Louisiana, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Fotoflor, Del Boy / Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Salvia - Sages |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Southeast, Florida, Louisiana, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |