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Monday, April 22, 2024

Mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea

Here are some facts about mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea:

Appearance:

  • A herbaceous perennial native to Texas, Mexico, and parts of the southwestern United States.
  • Grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall with upright or sprawling bushy form.
  • Features narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a slightly rough texture and medium to dark green color.
  • Showy flowers bloom in elongated spikes, with colors ranging from deep violet-blue to purple, lavender, white, and even bicolor varieties.
  • The calyx (flower sepals) have a powdery or grainy texture, resembling flour or meal, which gives the plant its common name.

    Growing Conditions:

  • Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating poor soils and some drought.
  • Considered a low-maintenance plant, relatively pest and disease resistant.
  • Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, but often grown as an annual in colder climates due to its fast growth.
  • Can be propagated from seeds sown indoors or directly outdoors after the last frost

    Other Interesting Traits:

  • Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar, making it a valuable pollinator plant.
  • The aromatic leaves have a similar scent to culinary sage, but are not typically used for cooking.
  • Dried leaves can be included in potpourri for a subtle fragrance.
  • Deer resistant.
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