Mealy-cup Sage

Mealy-Cup Sage, or Salvia farinacea, is a perennial flowering plant known for its striking spiky inflorescences and long blooming period. Native to Texas and Mexico, it's a popular choice for gardeners due to its durability, attractive blooms, and ability to attract pollinators.

One of the most notable features of Mealy-Cup Sage is its dense spikes of small, tubular flowers, which are typically blue to purplish-blue, though white varieties also exist. The name "mealy-cup" refers to the white or grayish mealy coating found on the calyces and flower stalks. These flower spikes appear from late spring to frost, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden. The vibrant blooms are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the garden.

In addition to its showy flowers, Mealy-Cup Sage has attractive foliage, consisting of lance-shaped, green leaves that form a dense basal clump. This foliage contrasts nicely with the flower spikes and adds texture to the plant.

Mealy-Cup Sage is versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as a bedding plant. It's also well-suited for wildflower and pollinator gardens. Due to its compact size and showy flowers, it's an excellent choice for container gardening.

This sage variety prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. It thrives in full sun, where it produces the most abundant and vibrant blooms. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming and extend the flowering period.

Overall, Mealy-Cup Sage is appreciated for its beautiful blooms, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various garden conditions. Its ability to provide long-lasting color and attract wildlife makes it a favored choice for gardeners looking to create a vibrant and lively outdoor space.