Plant of the Month – June 2014

0

Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii

A favorite southwest garden pick, both for its captivating fragrance and its stunning flower display.

A favorite southwest garden pick, both for its captivating fragrance and its stunning flower display.

 

  • Plant Form: Semi-evergreen Shrub
  • Water Use: Low
  • Mature Size: 4’ tall x 4-5’ wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Bloom Time: Spring – Summer (March – June)
  • Native to: Southern California south to Baja California (below 3,000 feet)
  •  Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 15°F

 

 

Cleveland Sage wins the prize for the best fragrance of all sages in most gardeners’ judgment. Its gray-green leaves have an intense but clean fragrance, and have culinary use. Deep violet-blue flowers appear in whorls skewered like balls of color on stems. The plant almost glows with color when in bloom, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This fast-growing semi-evergreen shrub requires very well-drained soil, and takes minimal summer water. Cut back every other year, and remove spent flowers for a tidier look. Cleveland Sage can be used as a focal point in a dry border or decorative pot, as a low hedge, or in herb gardens.