Description
Form: An upright to sprawling, mound-forming herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in regions without freezes.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 1-2' high and wide.
Flowers: Blue to purple, tubular, with two distinctive white stripes on a broad lower lip, arrayed in spikes.
Bloom: All year in regions without freezes.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried flower.
Leaves: Depending on cultivar: gray-green and felty to medium-green and smooth, broadly lance-shaped, margins toothed or not. Slightly fragrant.
Stems: Herbaceous.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The seeds attract finches.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 7b-11, depending on cultivar. This plant dies to the ground in freezing temperatures and recovers from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: This plant does poorly in temperatures over 100°F.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun in cool months. Up to three-quarters shade in the hottest months of the year.
Soil: Well draining, dry to slightly moist, low in organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). This plant is moderately salt tolerant. Fertilize with compost in March and July.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month in temperatures under 85°F or in part shade, weekly in high temperatures. It is tolerant of frequent watering if the soil drains quickly, but overly moist soil results in leggy, weak stems. Some varieties need more water.
Mulch: Do not mulch, especially in part shade, so the soil can dry quickly.
Prune: After extended flowering, prune for more compact growth which will temporarily reduce flowering. Prune spent flower stalks to promote new flowers.
Litter: Low except for pruning.
Propagation: Seed planted in the fall.
Uses: Ornamental, wildlife garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). The common name, derived from the scientific name, refers to the sepals (leaves at base of flower) and stems as being mealy/floury (whitish) in color, although sometimes they are purple. Another common name is Blue Mealy Sage. The butterfly is a White Checkered Skipper.

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