Salvia farinacea – The Mealy Cup Sage
This is tough free flowering plant, and Salvia farinacea is one species that has a number of cultivars with different flower colours.
This is a species with a fairly compact growth habit, and this is welcome attribute not always found in Salvias. Flower colours range from blues and violets through to smokey white
Being from Mexico though to the southern states of the USA, this is a plant that will flower early in the season from spring to summer, it then will often put on a second display of flowers as the weather cools down again at the end of summer.
It is a favourite with xeric gardeners and can be regarded as drought tolerant once established. It cold climates Salvia farinacea is treated as a tender perennial
How to grow Salvia farinacea
This is an easy care plant and it attracts bees and birds to the garden, plant it as a feature plant in a cottage garden, or mass plant it as a low border plant.
- Position
Best grown in full sun to a little afternoon shade. Protection from frosts and freezes is essential for good flowering. - Soil
A humus rich well drained soil is best. - Watering
This a drought tolerant plant however watering during long dry periods will help with performance - Fertiliser
A little slow release fertiliser in springwill encourage good growth - Pruning
You can prune back after flower to encourage a busy growth habit and a second round of flowering.
Prune back in late winter to spring before new growth appears. Pruning will encourage fresh new growth and assist with plant health. Try not to prune back below the foliage for best results.
Salvia farinacea Varieties :
- Victoria Blue
- Cottage Blue
- Samara Violet
- Victoria White
- Blue Bedder
- Arctic Blue