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Mealy sage (Salvia farinacea) is a long-blooming, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant perennial, which provides a welcome patch of blue in the landscape.
This blue-flowering sage usually is no more than three feet high. It grows in clumps of several stems with medium-green lance-shaped leaves. Whorls of violet-blue blooms are borne on the end of stalks that rise above the leafy part. The flowers appear to be dusted with fine white powder. Actually, this appearance comes from a dense cover of matlike wooly hairs tinged with white, blue, or violet. The common name “mealy” and the scientific name “farinacea” are derived from this farinose (mealy) look of the flowers.
Mealy blue sage is widely available in nurseries. Some nurseries may have cultivars of Salvia farinacea that are darker-blue or even white. One robust good-bloomer available is a dark blue selection called “Henry Duelberg.” There is also a white selection called “Augusta Duelberg.” According to the story, these selections were made from specimens found in an East Texas cemetery by Greg Grant. The names came from a nearby tombstone.
Mealy sage starts blooming in April and blooms until a winter freeze. Hot, arid summers bring a decline in flowering, but revived blossoming comes back with fall weather.
Mealy sage is widespread across the Hill Country. It grows in well-drained, sunny areas in limestone soils. Undoubtedly it is drought and cold tolerant in the wild. Once established in a home landscape, it requires minimal care.
Many people use mealy sage as a border plant. Reportedly, it is a good plant for pot gardens too.
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: ward
