California Blue Sage

California Blue Sage

1 Gallon
$16.90
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California Blue Sage
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California Blue Sage

Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'

The most popular Cleveland Sage cultivar, with intensely fragrant silvery-gray foliage and vibrant blue-violet flowers.

$16.90
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Description

Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman' is the most celebrated and widely planted cultivar of the California native Cleveland Sage, prized for its exceptionally fragrant, silvery-gray-green foliage and its profuse, vibrant blue-violet flower whorls . This evergreen shrub forms a dense, perfectly rounded, bushy mound of small, narrow, aromatic leaves that release a powerful, clean, classic sage fragrance when brushed . In late spring through summer, it produces abundant, deep magenta-purple flower stalks bearing tiered whorls of two-lipped, dark blue-violet flowers that emerge from showy, reddish-purple buds, creating a spectacular display that attracts native bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators . Extremely drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and low-maintenance, it is an outstanding choice for Mediterranean gardens, fragrant gardens, water-wise landscapes, and wildlife-friendly native plantings.

Quick Facts

  • Foliage & Flowers: Small, narrow, silvery-gray-green, intensely fragrant leaves; upright, branched stalks with tiered whorls of two-lipped, dark blue-violet flowers emerging from reddish-purple buds; blooms late spring through summer .
  • Mature Height: 3-5 ft
  • Mature Spread: 3-5 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10 ; Sunset 8, 9, 12-24
  • Light Requirement: Full sun
  • Core Benefits: Intensely fragrant silvery foliage, profuse blue-violet flowers, compact rounded form, exceptionally drought tolerant, attracts hummingbirds and native bees.
  • Best Uses: Mediterranean gardens, fragrant gardens, water-wise landscapes, native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, borders, foundation plantings, slopes.

Faqs

Q: How large does 'Winnifred Gilman' Cleveland Sage get?
A: It forms a dense, rounded shrub, typically reaching 3-5 feet in both height and spread at maturity.

Q: Is the fragrance really that strong?
A: Yes, the small, silvery-gray-green leaves are intensely fragrant, releasing a powerful, clean, classic sage scent when brushed or crushed, especially after rain.

Q: Does it need a lot of water?
A: Once established, it is exceptionally drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils and is well-adapted to California's dry Mediterranean climate.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, the vibrant blue-violet, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the densest growth, most intense fragrance, and best flowering, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, it will become more open and flower less.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune lightly in late spring or early summer after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh new growth. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as it may not resprout.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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