Fragrant Sage
Salvia clevelandii
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Buendia22
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Salvia
- Species:
- Salvia clevelandii
- USDA Symbol:
- SACL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 122 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Bombus californicus, Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Xylocopa californica, Xylocopa sonorina, Xylocopa tabaniformis, Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) Hummingbirds: Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to Mediterranean fire regime.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid, coastal chaparral environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to improve germination.
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled