Sage Mealy Blue Henry Duelberg

Description: Mealy Blue Sage is characterized by its slender, upright stems and attractive spikes of blue flowers. The flowers are tubular and densely packed along the spikes, creating a striking display. The foliage is typically gray-green and may have a slightly fuzzy texture. The plant attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden with its nectar-rich flowers.

Size: Mealy Blue Sage typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) with a spread of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters). It has a compact, bushy growth habit, making it well-suited for use as a border plant, mass planting, or container gardening.

Best Growing Zones: Mealy Blue Sage thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. It prefers regions with mild winters and hot summers, making it well-suited to the southern United States and similar climates. It is tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping.

Soil Requirements: This sage variety prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soil, as long as it's well-drained. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, can improve soil fertility and drainage, promoting healthy growth and flowering.

Maintenance: Mealy Blue Sage is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. It prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering but can tolerate partial shade. Water newly planted specimens regularly until they become established, then reduce watering, as this plant is drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading spent flowers can help promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Additionally, pruning can be done in early spring to remove dead or leggy growth and maintain a compact shape.