Salvia clevelandii, also known as Cleveland Sage, is widely prized for its highly aromatic foliage and beautiful violet-blue flowers; making it a favorite among gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, fragrant plants.  

One of the most remarkable features of Cleveland Sage is its highly aromatic, gray-green leaves. When brushed against or crushed, the foliage releases a potent, earthy, and spicy scent, often described as a mix of sage, pine, and citrus

The plant forms a dense, mounded shrub with a rounded growth habit. Its stems are woody at the base, and it produces numerous branches covered with its iconic fragrant leaves.

The texture and coloration of the foliage give it a soft, silvery appearance, which contrasts beautifully with its bright flowers.

One of the most remarkable features of Cleveland Sage is its highly aromatic, gray-green leaves. When brushed against or crushed, the foliage releases a potent, earthy, and spicy scent, often described as a mix of sage, pine, and citrus.  

The plant forms a dense, mounded shrub with a rounded growth habit. Its stems are woody at the base, and it produces numerous branches covered with its iconic fragrant leaves. The texture and coloration of the foliage give it a soft, silvery appearance, which contrasts beautifully with its bright flowers.

The Salvia clevelandii typically grows 5 feet tall and can spread about 6 feet wide. This makes it a substantial but manageable size for gardens, where it can serve as a focal point or blend into mixed borders. Its size also makes it suitable for erosion control on slopes and hillsides.

When it comes to flowers, Salvia clevelandii blooms from late spring to summer, with stunning spikes of violet-blue flowers clustered along the tall, upright stems. These tubular flowers are highly attractive to a range of pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The blooms contrast beautifully with the plant's silver-gray foliage and add a vibrant splash of color to the landscape. After flowering, the dried seed heads can be left on the plant for visual interest or removed to encourage a second flush of blooms.

When and How to Water Your Salvia clevelandii

Cleveland sage is quite a drought-resistant plant once established. A good rule of thumb is to water Salvia clevelandii when the soil is dry to a couple of inches deep. However, overwatering is not recommended because it can cause root rot and other problems. 

In the spring, during the growing season, it's best to water the plant deeply but infrequently. Watering deeply encourages the plant's roots to grow deeper into the soil, making it more resilient to drought conditions. During dormancy periods, reduce watering to accommodate the plant's natural growth cycle.

Observing the plant's leaves can also provide clues about its watering needs. If the leaves start to wilt or show signs of distress, it might be time to water. Remember, it's better to be slightly underwater than overwater Salvia clevelandii to maintain its health and vibrancy. 

Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Salvia clevelandii 

For indoor cultivation, it's essential to place the plant in a location that receives ample sunlight. Salvia clevelandii thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. A south-facing window is often ideal for providing the plant with the necessary sunlight it needs to flourish. If natural light is insufficient, supplementing it with a grow light designed for indoor plants can help meet its light requirements. 

When growing Cleveland sage outdoors, it prefers full sun to thrive. This plant loves basking in the sunlight and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting it in a location where it can receive plenty of sunlight will promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Ensure that there are no obstructions like buildings or trees that could shade the plant during the day. 

Whether indoors or outdoors, providing the right amount of light is essential for Salvia clevelandii to thrive. By understanding and meeting its light requirements, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful plant that adds a touch of natural beauty to your living space or garden. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

Salvia clevelandii thrives in well-draining soil that mimics its native habitat. A sandy, loamy soil mixed with good drainage is ideal for this plant. Adding organic matter like compost can help improve soil structure and fertility, providing a healthy environment for the plant's roots to grow and absorb nutrients. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your plants to thrive. 

In terms of fertilizer, Cleveland sage is not a heavy feeder and generally does well in nutrient-poor soils. Applying a balanced (5-10-5), slow-release NPK fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Opt for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. 

It's important to avoid over-fertilizing Salvia clevelandii, as this can lead to issues like nutrient imbalances and reduced flowering. Always follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package and apply it sparingly to avoid harming the sage plant.  

Hardiness Zone & More 

For indoor cultivation, Salvia clevelandii prefers temperatures between 60-75°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. It's important to provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent humidity levels from becoming too high, as this can lead to issues like powdery mildew. Aim for a relative humidity level of around 40-50% indoors to create a comfortable environment for the plant. 

When growing Salvia clevelandii outdoors, it is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures typically stay above 10°F. In these zones, the plant can thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. It is essential to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures and frost, especially in colder zones, by providing mulch or other protection during winter. 

By understanding the temperature and humidity needs of Salvia clevelandii, both indoors and outdoors, you can create an environment that supports its growth and ensures its well-being throughout the year. 

Propagating Cleveland Sage 

Salvia clevelandii can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, or division. One common and effective way to propagate Cleveland sage is through stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem from the parent plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light to encourage root development. With proper care and attention, the cutting should develop roots and grow into a new Salvia plant ready for transplanting. 

Wildlife - Cleveland Sage attracts the following Friendly-Pollinators

The Salvia clevelandii is a magnet for pollinators. Its nectar-rich flowers provide essential food for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. The tubular shape of the flowers is especially suited to hummingbirds, which can easily access the nectar with their long beaks. Its value as a pollinator-friendly plant contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem, supporting native wildlife. 

Butterflies

Bees

Hummingbirds

Lady Bugs

Multi Pollinators

Other Birds

Toxicity: Cleveland Sage is generally non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for households with children or animals. The plant is not known to cause any significant harm if ingested in small amounts, though its pungent, aromatic leaves likely deter most animals from grazing on it. Additionally, the strong fragrance of the foliage tends to repel herbivores like deer, adding another layer of resilience to the plant. 

Key Takeaways