Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue - Mealy Cup Sage

Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue is a variety of mealy sage that bears large spikes of deep blue flowers which bloom from summer until the first cold weather on a pretty, compact and bushy plant. Perennial in its native lands, this plant is grown as an annual in most of Europe. It can be grown in pots, but we prefer to plant it in groups in flower beds among perennials, where it is very decorative. It is also a very beautiful vase flower.

Salvia farinacea is a perennial plant native to Texas and Mexico, belonging to the mint family. Its low hardiness and fast growth make it an excellent annual in most of our climates. The cultivar 'Victoria Blue' has an elegant habit, both spiky and bushy, forming clumps of 45-50 cm (17.7 - 19.7 in) in all directions. It forms clusters of very original violet stems, covered with grayish green foliage, with slightly toothed lanceolate aromatic leaves, covered on the underside with a white down. From July to October upright and flexible spikes appear, covered with small white hairs and adorned with dark and intense blue petals. Mealy sages get their name from the light bloom that covers their stems.

The Victoria Blue floury sage will be perfect in a flowerbed alongside roses, marigolds or rudbeckias. It will enhance large-flowered peonies, emphasising their romantic nature. It can also be associated with grasses, gauras, or emerging from the silvery foliage of wormwoods. This plant also forms beautiful borders along paths. It can be planted among silver basket (Cerastium tomentosum) which will carpet its base in a soft harmony of muted tones. Its lavender-like spikes hold up well in a vase.

Please note that our young plants in mini-plugs are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, frame) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before planting outside once all risk of frost has passed.