Mealy Blue Sage

By Debbie Roland and Emmy Ulmschneider, Master Gardeners

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, drought tolerant plant that thrives in West Texas, Mealy Blue Sage is a great choice. Whether you are a beginning or a seasoned gardener, this plant is reliable and beautiful in any landscape. Hopefully you were able to purchase Mealy Blue Sage (“Salvia farinacea ‘Henry Duelberg’) at our recent plant sale. This hardy perennial is a nativar of Mealy Blue Sage, known for deep blue-purple flower spikes, long blooming season, and its pollinator appeal. Texas horticulturist Greg Grant discovered this plant in a Texas Cemetery growing on the grave of Henry Duelberg. There is also a white nativar variety, Salvia farinacea ‘Augusta Duelberg’) named for Henry’s wife. This plant shares the same growth habit and resilience but features white flowers offering a contrast when planted together. Both are grown for their vigor, adaptability, and showy blooms.

Mealy Blue Sage grows 2-3’ wide and tall with gray-green leaves that have a slightly rough texture. When mature it is upright, bushy, and is heat tolerant. Once established it requires little supplemental watering, making it perfect for our climate. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds enhancing biodiversity in your garden. Flowers appear from late spring through fall which provides extended color in the landscape. It is also deer resistant due to its strong scent and rough textured leaves.

Plant in full sun for best flowers. A well-drained soil is essential. Avoid overwatering since soggy conditions can cause root rot. Once established it only requires minimal water during prolonged drought periods.

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Cut back in late winter (early to mid-February seems to work best) to promote fresh new growth. A light application of compost in early spring will boost growth and fertilizer is not necessary.

This plant pairs well with other drought tolerant varieties such as Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii), Mexican Bush Sale (Salvia leucantha), Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) and Lantana (Lantana urticoides).

This plant is a great choice for a water-wise, chemical-free garden. Plant it once and enjoy it for years with minimal effort.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org. Click on “Resources.”