Cleveland sage Salvia clevelandii
Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Chaparral of San Diego County, California, and northern Baja California. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Cleveland sage in your garden →
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Cleveland sage at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (seasoning, like culinary sage) |
| Native to | Chaparral of San Diego County, California, and northern Baja California |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Cleveland sage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cleveland sage
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cleveland sage
- How far apart should I plant Cleveland sage?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Cleveland sage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cleveland sage need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cleveland sage?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Cleveland sage flower?
- From about May for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cleveland sage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Cleveland sage?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cleveland sage. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
- Calflora: information on California plants, Calflora (non-profit database), Berkeley, California
Notes and assumptions
- A California native of the chaparral and foothills: it grows through the mild, wet winter and rests in the dry summer, when it should be left unwatered once established.
- Grey-green leaves with one of the sweetest scents of any sage, and tiers of violet-blue flower whorls on tall stems in late spring that hummingbirds and native bees love. ‘Winnifred Gilman’ is a popular garden form.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare