Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Salvia farinacea or Mealycup sage

The genus Salvia, family Lamiaceae, comprises 1,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central and South America. Some species are: Salvia farinacea, Salvia disermas, Salvia canariensis, Salvia aurea, Salvia apiana, Salvia africana, Salvia scabra, Salvia lanceolata, Salvia leucantha, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia namaensis, Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla, Salvia mexicana, Salvia splendens, Salvia vaseyi, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia sclarea, Salvia mellifera, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia elegans.

Common names: Mealycup sage, Mealy sage. This species is native to Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

They are herbaceous plants with hairy stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are deep green in color and have a lanceolate shape with a serrated margin. They produce numerous blue flowers in terminal spikes that contrast with the foliage and are highly decorative. They bloom from spring to late summer.

They are used to form groups combined with plants with red or yellow flowers, for borders and in pots for terraces, patios and balconies.

Salvia farinacea needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures; they resist occasional frosts.

The soil must be light, well drained and contain organic matter; they also grow on poorer soils. Planting and transplanting are done in spring.

Water regularly, waiting for at least the surface of the substrate to dry.

Fertilize in early spring with a little humus, compost, or manure.

After flowering, prune withered flowers and dry leaves.

They are easy to grow plants that can suffer fungal diseases if there is excess watering.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings. The specimens should be renewed every 2-3 years because they lose their appeal.

Images of the plant Salvia farinacea or Mealycup sage