I’ve said repeatedly that I’m a fan of salvias. It’s no wonder since they bloom prolifically, are easy to care for, and attract pollinators right and left. One salvia in my garden (among many) that I’ve accumulated is the ‘Blue Bedder’ Salvia farinacea which is also called Blue Bedder Sage. It’s not reliably hardy to my zone according to many sources. Typically they are hardy to a zone 7 but last winter was not very typical and still the Salvia farinacea came through the winter happily.
How to Propagate Salvia farinacea – Mealy Cup Sage
Salvia farinacea can be propagated very easily from either seed or through cuttings. For most gardeners the seed method will be the best way to plant a good crop of Blue Bedder sage but once you have established plants you can take cuttings.
As the salvia grows you will want to cut it back to encourage a bushier plant for more summertime blooms. If you allow the prunings to reach about 3 inches in length you can stick them in a potting medium like sand, sand/peat, or other inert material. Rooting hormone isn’t necessary but can be used to speed up the process.
I like using a combination of both seeds and cuttings to help fill out beds for enmass plantings. It’s a good way to get a lot of plants at a very cheap price! (You can find seeds at Botanical Interest Seed Company here: Salvia – Mealy Cup Sage)
You can read more about propagating salvia using this method: taking cuttings of salvia. That post will help you with most varieties of salvia propagation.
See how these cuttings did in the video below!
Salvia farinacea Growing Conditions
Salvia farinacea enjoys well drained soil and can handle dry conditions. It does an amazing job at attracting pollinators to your garden and once established can be very carefree.
Mealy Cup Sage grows best in full sun locations and I’ve found it to be deer and rabbit proof. They just ignore it which makes it a good plant choice for areas frequently by grazing animals.
You can grow S. farinacea in zones 8 to 10 reliably as a perennial. I’m in zone 7 and have found that sometimes it comes back if the right conditions are provided. To “cheat” this salvia’s growing zone you can create a warmer microclimate by planting it near stone or concrete. The hard surfaces will absorb sunlight during the day then release it over the night which may help your zone 7 garden function like a zone 8 in that location.
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I did put in some Blue Hill Salvia in my front garden. I would like to try some more varieties that will grow in zone 5.
I love the annual salvias too, especially those with strong blue or hot pink colour. We have a number of perennial salvias but none have that true-blue of, say, 'Black and Blue'. You remind me I must take cuttings before the cool weather comes back and we do get a frost.
I have the Black & Blue & just re potted it hoping to revive it. I sure would hate to loose it. Maybe with the cooler temps it will come out. I love blue in the garden.