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Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii

true

1 gallon

Cleveland Sage

In stock

4'x6'

Sizes:

Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii
Synonym: Salvia clevelandii var. clevelandii
Also Known As: California Blue Sage, Fragrant Sage, Jim Sage

A fast-growing, aromatic perennial shrub native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats of southern California and northern Baja California. Cleveland sage forms a neat, rounded mound about 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide, with numerous upright spikes of light violet to bluish-purple flowers appearing from late spring through summer. These blooms contrast beautifully with the gray-green, wrinkled, highly fragrant foliage — the scent is a favorite among gardeners.

The aromatic foliage helps deter browsing by deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Sun exposure is important for maintaining a compact form, though in the low desert it benefits from light afternoon shade to reduce stress in summer. Plant in well-draining soil; avoid overwatering as it is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained locations. Hardy to about 10°F. In less-than-ideal conditions, it may be somewhat short-lived, but it readily reseeds and responds well to pruning after flowering.

Cleveland sage is a magnet for pollinators, especially native bees, hummingbirds, and sphinx moths, and its dense growth offers cover for quail and other small birds.

Wildlife Value:

Host Plant:
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata); Other Sphinx Moths
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Seeds; Nesting Habitat; Cover
Bird Species: Hummingbirds (including Anna’s & Costa’s); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys); Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)

Plant Care

Native region:

California Native

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

4'x6'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Violet

Flower season:

Spring - Summer

Pruning:

Plants may lose nearly all leaves in summer, but will recover in fall.
Overgrown or leggy shrubs can be cut back in the late fall to reduce size and
increase density

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.