Cleveland Sage
Salvia clevelandii 'Allen Chickering'
Also known as Fragrant Sage
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cleveland Sage grows in your area.
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A compact California native sage with aromatic gray-green foliage and fragrant purple-blue flower spikes. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.
Why grow it
Cleveland Sage offers a narrower growth habit and finer texture than many other native California sages, making it suitable for tighter garden spaces while retaining strong drought tolerance and pollinator value. The cultivar 'Allen Chickering' is notably compact compared to the species type, reaching 2-3 feet tall, and produces reliable purple-blue flower spikes over a long blooming season. Where space permits larger sages like Salvia apiana or S. mellifera, this selection trades some vigor for a more refined ornamental presence in rock gardens, borders, or water-wise perennial plantings.
Watch out for
In cooler or humid climates outside its native California range, drainage becomes critical to prevent root rot during wet winters; amending heavy soils or planting on slopes improves survival odds. Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during the establishment year (roughly 6-12 months), though overwatering remains the leading cause of failure. Flowering can decline if plants become too shaded, and overly rich soils may reduce aromatic oil concentration in the foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A compact California native sage with aromatic gray-green foliage and fragrant purple-blue flower spikes. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cleveland Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cleveland Sage offers a narrower growth habit and finer texture than many other native California sages, making it suitable for tighter garden spaces while retaining strong drought tolerance and pollinator value. The cultivar 'Allen Chickering' is notably compact compared to the species type, reaching 2-3 feet tall, and produces reliable purple-blue flower spikes over a long blooming season. Where space permits larger sages like Salvia apiana or S. mellifera, this selection trades some vigor for a more refined ornamental presence in rock gardens, borders, or water-wise perennial plantings.
Watch out for
In cooler or humid climates outside its native California range, drainage becomes critical to prevent root rot during wet winters; amending heavy soils or planting on slopes improves survival odds. Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during the establishment year (roughly 6-12 months), though overwatering remains the leading cause of failure. Flowering can decline if plants become too shaded, and overly rich soils may reduce aromatic oil concentration in the foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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