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Salvia farinacea | Salvia Sirius Blue Sage, Mealy Blue Sage, Mealycup Sage

First bloom dates:

2024 May 15

Salvia farinacea | Salvia Sirius Blue Sage, Mealy Blue Sage, Mealycup Sage

Lamiaceae (Mint family) (Prounounced lay-mee-AY-see-I)

Pronounced SAL-vee-ah   Fair-in-ah-SAY-ah

Previously known as: Salvia amabilis, Salvia earlei, and Salvia virgata

The name "Salvia" is a Latin word "salveo" which means "to save or heal" referring to some Salvia that is used as medicine.

The name "farinacea" is a Latin word "farina" which means "flour or meal" referring to the powdery white hairs on the calyx (aka sepal) of the flower and the upper stems. The word "meal" is not like the entire plate of food that we think of it as, but rather the powdery substance made by grinding, hence the synonym of flour to meal.

The name "mealycup" is a combination of the words "mealy" referring to the powdery meal and "cup" for the shape of the calyx (aka sepal).

I bought these seeds in 2023 from Baker's Creek and planted them, but I did not even notice that they were growing. Then in 2024 they bloomed! They are so delightful.

I love the height and the color of them (12 to 16 inches) and hope they spread.

Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooming.

The leaves are shiny which makes this species different from other Salvia that have velvety-dull leaves.

This plant is native to Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.

This plant is an perennial in zones 8 to 10 and grown as an annual in colder climates. However, I am in 7a (was 7b until 2023) and this did not bloom the first year, but did keep over the Winter and bloomed in 2024. I like it and I hope that it continues to come back year after year.

2024