‘Raider Azure’ Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea var. farinacea Benth.)

Abstract

Native wildflowers provide a rich germplasm resource for continued plant improvement. Over the past 10 years, native accessions of Salvia farinacea var. farinacea Benth. have been collected and introduced into an ornamental breeding program. Texas Tech University announces the release of a new mealy blue sage cultivar named ‘Raider Azure’. ‘Raider Azure’ is intended for use as a drought-tolerant native ornamental for demanding landscapes. It has been trialed for use as a perennial bedding plant where it has displayed attractive violet–blue flowers and a vigorous growth habit, which is common in this species. The extended bloom period for mealy blue sage suggests the cultivar ‘Raider Azure’ is well suited for full sun bedding displays in a variety of locations.