Mealycup sage 'Victoria Blue'

Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue' is a popular half-hardy annual in the UK, prized for its upright spikes of intense, deep violet-blue flowers. The common name, mealycup sage, refers to the white, flour-like dusting on the calyces and stems, which provides a beautiful contrast to the vivid blooms. Growing to about 45-60cm tall, it has a tidy, bushy habit with narrow, grey-green leaves. It is a versatile plant, equally at home in the middle of a border, in large containers, or as part of a formal bedding scheme. In the British climate, it is valued for its long flowering period and its ability to withstand both heat and light rain without flopping. It is exceptionally attractive to bees and butterflies. While it is a perennial in warmer climates, it is treated as an annual in the UK as it will not survive frost. Plant it out in late May in a sunny, well-drained spot for the best results.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, light soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.