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Mealy-Cup Sage – Salvia Farinacea

By Rupert Foxton-Smythe

sage, flowers, purple flowers-7365732.jpg

Discover the beauty of Mealy-Cup Sage (Salvia farinacea) with its delicate light purple flowers and compact foliage. Explore more about this popular annual plant.

TL;DR

Mealy-Cup Sage (Salvia farinacea) is a popular annual with light purple flowers on compact foliage.

  • Subtle-colored species and varieties of Salvia
  • Tender perennial from Texas
  • Light purple flowers on darker purple stems

To many gardeners, Salvia mean the bright scarlet spikes that are so popular in bedding and container schemes, but there are lots of much more subtle-coloured species and varieties in cultivation. These are represented by both perennials and annuals and, in spite of the former’s tendency to be on the tender side, their popularity is growing rapidly.

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One that has become very popular as an annual, although in fact it is a tender perennial from Texas, is Mealy-Cup Sage (Salvia farinacea). The foliage part of this plant is relatively low and compact, but from this rise slender spikes of light purple flowers on darker purple stems. The ‘mealy cup’ of the name refers to the fine white hairs around the calyx or casing that carries each flower.

The foliage is a grey-green that sets off the flowers well. The greyness is provided by the fine hairs that cover the leaves and stem.

There are several forms in cultivation, of which the most popular is ‘Victoria’. In this, the spikes are a rich violet-blue.

This plant is quite short, only about 45cm (I 8in) high. There are white forms, often referred to as alba. Of these, ‘Argent’ (also known as ‘Silver’) and ‘White Porcelain’ are the most popular; both have silvery-white flowers. An older variety, which many still think is the best, is ‘Blue Bedder’, which has deep blue flowers.

These Salvia can be used as bedding plants or introduced into a mixed border with perennials and even shrubs. They go well with silver-leaved plants or with plants in a purple-flowered border. As a contrast they can be used with yellows, but avoid overdoing this, as the overall effect may become unpleasant. Plant out after hardening off towards the end of May. Set them out at about 45cm (18m) apart.

Like most Salvia. Mealy-Cup Sage likes an open position with maximum sunlight.

Water should only be needed during dry weather or if there is any sign of distress.

Good garden soil will suit if it is free-draining and fairly moisture-retentive. Add grit to heavier soils.

These tender perennials won’t normally survive a Winter except in mild areas, where they will flower earlier in the season.

They can be lifted and over-wintered in a frost-free place.

Very little attention is required once these have been planted out, apart from removing any dead flower spikes.

Sow under glass, in gentle heat, in late Winter or early Spring. Prick-out into deep trays or into individual pots as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle.

The Mealy-Cup Sage is a good bedding plant for the more subtle planting schemes.

The various cultivars of Mealy-Cup Sage are ideal for indoor cut flower displays.

FAMILY Labiatae

SIZE

Height: 60cm (2ft)

Spread: 45cm(l8in)

HABIT bushy

GROWTH moderate

FLOWERS Summer

To many gardeners, Salvia mean the bright scarlet spikes that are so popular in bedding and container schemes, but there are lots of much more subtle-coloured species and varieties in cultivation.

More Information on Mealy-Cup Sage – Salvia farinacea

Mealy-Cup Sage (Salvia farinacea) is a popular annual plant known for its compact foliage and slender spikes of light purple flowers. Originating from Texas, this tender perennial has gained popularity as an annual in many gardens. The name "mealy cup" refers to the fine white hairs surrounding the calyx of each flower. In addition to the well-known scarlet spikes of Salvia, there are numerous subtle-colored species and varieties cultivated. These include both perennials and annuals, offering a wide range of options for gardeners. Despite the tenderness of some perennial varieties, their popularity continues to grow rapidly. Among the different cultivars of Mealy-Cup Sage, 'Victoria' stands out as the most popular with its rich violet-blue spikes. White forms, often referred to as "alba," are also available. 'Argent' (or 'Silver') and 'White Porcelain' are favored for their silvery-white flowers. Another notable variety is 'Blue Bedder,' which displays deep blue flowers. Mealy-Cup Sage can be utilized as bedding plants or integrated into mixed borders with perennials and shrubs. They complement silver-leaved plants and purple-flowered borders, creating visually appealing combinations. Pairing them with yellow plants can provide an interesting contrast, but care should be taken not to overdo it. These plants prefer an open position with maximum sunlight and thrive in well-draining and moderately moisture-retentive soil. While Mealy-Cup Sage is typically grown as an annual, it can be over-wintered in frost-free areas. In milder regions, these tender perennials may survive the winter and bloom earlier in the season. Maintenance is minimal once they are established, primarily involving the removal of dead flower spikes. Overall, Mealy-Cup Sage is an excellent choice for bedding schemes and indoor cut flower displays. Its subtle colors and compact growth habit make it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden.

About the author

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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