Cleveland Sage Plant Care
Salvia clevelandii Greene
Salvia clevelandii, the fragrant sage, blue sage, Jim sage, Cleveland sage, and Cleveland's blue sage is a perennial plant of family Lamiaceae native to Southern California and northern Baja California, growing below 900 m (3,000 ft) elevation in California coastal sage and chaparral habitat. The plant was named in 1874 by Asa Gray, honoring plant collector Daniel Cleveland.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
What Is the Cleveland Sage?
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Salvia genus. Cleveland Sage is native to Southern California and northern Baja California, growing below 900 m (3,000 ft) elevation in California coastal sage and chaparral habitat. Cleveland Sage is also known as California Blue Sage, Aromatic Sage.
Cleveland Sage displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Cleveland Sage produces colorful spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cleveland Sage?
Salvia clevelandii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cleveland Sage Need?
Cleveland Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–6000 lux. Avoid placing Cleveland Sage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
2000–6000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cleveland Sage Prefer?
Salvia clevelandii grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. Cleveland Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cleveland Sage?
Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Cleveland Sage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Cleveland Sage?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cleveland Sage?
Cleveland Sage can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sage plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Cleveland Sage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cleveland Sage?
Cleveland Sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cleveland Sage Need?
Cleveland Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. Native to Southern California and northern Baja California, growing below 900 m (3,000 ft) elevation in California coastal sage and chaparral habitat, Cleveland Sage is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Cleveland Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cleveland Sage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Salvia genus — compare its care with other Salvia species on PlantoScan.
Cleveland Sage tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Salvia Species
Other Salvia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Identify Plants Like the
Cleveland Sage Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species