Plant of the Month – June 2014
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Cleveland Sage
Salvia clevelandii
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.
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