Salvia ‘Blue Victory’

Salvia Farinacea ‘Blue Victory’

Characteristics

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10. Grow Salvia ‘Blue Victory’ in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates poor soils and some drought. Plants grown from seed sown directly in the ground after last frost date may not bloom. Seed should be started indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. If desired, cut back and pot up several Salvia ‘Blue Victory’ plants in fall or take cuttings in late summer for overwintering in a bright but cool sunny window.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Salvia farinacea, commonly called mealycup sage, is native to Texas and Mexico. It is a shrubby, clump-forming, tender perennial that typically grows 1.5-3’ tall on erect, branching, square stems. It features two-lipped, violet-blue flowers in 4-8” axillary and terminal racemes from summer to fall. Drooping, irregularly-serrate, ovate-lanceolate, gray-green leaves (to 3” long). Cultivars are available in various shades of blue, purple, lavender, white and bicolor. “Blue Victory’ has a wonderfully long bloom period, and with its deep violet-purple flowers looks absolutely incredible planted in mass or in containers. It attains a height of only 20” and makes an excellent cut or dried flower. Does well in hot, humid climates and is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to downy and powdery mildew, but can be avoided with proper spacing and placement in a location that does not have poor air circulation.

Garden Uses

Beds, borders, meadows, cottage gardens, cutting gardens. Excellent as a cut flower, both fresh and dried.