Also known as Blue Sage · Earle's Sage · Mealy Cup Sage
Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea) is a vigorous perennial or annual known for its spikes of vibrant blue to violet flowers, blooming from spring to fall.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
100% intensity
Full sun is ideal for best flowering and compact growth. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil during the growing season, but allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season. Protect from frost, as it is not frost-hardy and may die back in freezing conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Mealy Blue Sage prefers consistently moist soil during its active growing season. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot, especially in cooler climates.
Prune Mealy Blue Sage in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Deadheading spent flower spikes throughout the growing season encourages reblooming and maintains a tidy appearance. Cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness.
Mealy Blue Sage is easily propagated from seed sown in early spring or from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors after the last frost.
Cuttings root readily in moist, well-draining potting mix.
Repot young plants annually or as needed when they become root-bound. Mature plants generally thrive when slightly pot-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary.
Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one containing perlite or sand.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)
Where Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia farinacea |
Similar in genus Salvia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
