Cleveland Sage

Cleveland sage is an attractive desert shrub with pastel green leaves and bright violet flowers. When mature, numerous flowering stalks bloom all at once, creating a spectacle and strong fragrance.

It is a favorite among pollinators as well, providing an important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Botanical name: Salvia clevelandii

Other names: Cleveland blue sage

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Cleveland sage is a mounding shrub that can reach 5 feet in height and width. Mature shrubs develop woody stems.

Long and oval gray-green leaves are about 1 inch long. They are leathery to the touch and have a pleasant, refreshing aroma.

Blooms profusely from spring to summer. Clusters of small violet flowers are showy and attractive.

Followed by brown pods containing seeds.

Cleveland sage is very fragrant. Both its leaves and flowers emit pleasant aromas. Use fresh for flower arrangements or put together a smudge stick for meditation or cleansing rituals.

Makes for an excellent addition to a pollinator garden. Attracts many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when in bloom. The long blooming season lasts almost a month.

May shed leaves when entering summer dormancy. Will rebound once the weather cools.

Perform the heaviest pruning in early winter.

Cleveland sage is from southern California and Baja California, in areas that are warm and dry throughout the year.

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees for a short period of time.

Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade in the Palm Springs region is ok.

Pests: Cleveland sage has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, browning leaves

Signs of too little water: Shriveled leaves, leaf fall, browning leaves

Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading leaves

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloration

To propagate Cleveland sage, obtain seeds from seed pods. Cuttings do not propagate well.

How much does a Cleveland Sage cost?

At our nursery, Cleveland sage costs $20 for a 5-gallon container and $75 for a 15-gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Should I plan Cleveland sage in full or partial sun?

In temperate regions such as in San Diego or Santa Barbara, plant in full sun. For hot desert regions such as Palm Springs or Phoenix, areas protected from hot afternoon sun is best.

Is Cleveland sage edible?

Yes, some Native American tribes use its seeds for traditional cooking.