Mealycup Sage

(Salvia farinacea)

Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Salvia farinacea, commonly known as mealycup sage or mealy sage, is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the limestone soils of prairies, open woodlands, and fields in parts of the United States, including Texas and Oklahoma, as well as Nuevo León in Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 18 inches or more and features violet-blue flower spikes that rest atop a compact plant with narrow, salvia-like leaves. The leaves are distinctive for their shiny appearance, setting this species apart from other Salvia species that typically have velvety-dull foliage. The bright blue-white flowers are slim, gleaming, and form a crown about 2.5 inches long, blooming from June until frost. The flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Mealycup sage is valued for its striking flower spikes and ease of maintenance. It is often used in parks and gardens for summer displays and can serve as a cut flower. This plant is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10 and is cultivated as an annual in temperate latitudes. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with medium drainage. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Mealycup sage is not known to be invasive and can be a charming addition to xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance once established.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to limestone soils of prairies, open woodlands, and fields

Other Names

Common Names: Mealy Sage, Mealy-Cup Sage, Mealy Blue Sage, Mehliger Salbei, Sauge Farineuse, Daggsalvia, 粉萼鼠尾草

Scientific Names: , Salvia farinacea, Salvia virgata, Salvia farinacea var. farinacea, Salvia farinacea var. latifolia, Salvia earlei, Salvia farinacea subsp. farinacea, Salvia amabilis, Salvia trichostyle, Salvia caesia

GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia farinacea Benth.