Fragrant Sage

Salvia clevelandii

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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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:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, violet
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

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, hummingbirds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire; common in chaparral communities with periodic fire regimes.

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:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light and warm temperatures; no pretreatment required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society