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Salvia clevelandii (Cleveland Sage)

Fragrant Sage, Blue Sage, Cleveland Sage, Jim Sage, California Blue Sage

Salvia clevelandii, Fragrant Sage, Blue Sage, Cleveland Sage, Jim Sage, Purple Sage, Native Sage
Salvia clevelandii, Fragrant Sage, Blue Sage, Cleveland Sage, Jim Sage, Purple Sage, Native Sage

Fast-growing and highly aromatic, Salvia clevelandii (Cleveland Sage) is a rounded subshrub with arching branches boasting an abundance of tubular lavender to dark purple flowers borne in widely spaced whorls along the stems. Blooming in mid-spring to late summer, the fragrant blossoms are very attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. They are borne atop the lush foliage of deliciously aromatic, lance-shaped, wrinkled, gray-green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). The foliage is sometimes used in cooking in place of the European garden sage, and it makes a refreshing tea. Drought tolerant, Cleveland Sage provides a strong year-round presence in the dry garden. Great for informal mixed flower borders, it integrates beautifully into existing desert gardens, rock gardens, slopes, and native plant compositions.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 5-8 ft. wide (150-240 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in well-drained soils. Never irrigate once established. Drought tolerant.
  • Easy to grow, fairly pest and disease free, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but is deer resistant.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, bank stabilization, butterfly gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • May be deadheaded to extend the blooming season. May be pruned in the fall to maintain a compact size.
  • Propagate by seed sown outdoors in early fall.
  • Native to the coast of southern California and northern Baja California.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow salvia successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Blue Sage, Cleveland Sage
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96" (180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ (Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Pink (Sage)
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Sage)
Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’ (Rosy-Leaf Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Orange (Sage)
Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Red’ (Scarlet Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)
Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage)
Rhamnus californica (California Coffeeberry)
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)

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Salvia (Sage)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Blue Sage, Cleveland Sage
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96" (180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
Not sure which Salvia (Sage) to pick?
Compare Now

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