Salvia Clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman' (5 Gallon) Sage

About this item

Bring vibrant color, captivating fragrance, and California native beauty to your garden with Salvia clevelandii ‘Winnifred Gilman’. This popular, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub is prized for its aromatic gray-green foliage and striking whorls of electric blue to violet flowers, beautifully contrasted by deep ruby-red calyces.

A favorite for water-wise landscapes, pollinator gardens, and Mediterranean-inspired plantings, Cleveland sage offers year-round foliage, seasonal color, and the unmistakable scent of fresh sage with bright citrus notes.

Plant Characteristics

• Plant Type: California native evergreen shrub
• Mature Size: 3–5 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide
• Growth Habit: Compact, rounded, and naturally mounding
• Flower Color: Electric blue to violet blooms with dark maroon-red calyces
• Bloom Season: Late spring through summer, typically April to July
• Foliage: Aromatic gray-green leaves with a rich sage and lemony fragrance
• Wildlife Value: Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies
• Special Features: Drought tolerant, heat loving, and deer resistant

Growing & Care Guide

Sun: Plant in full sun for the best growth, fragrance, and flowering.

Soil: Prefers lean, sandy, rocky, or otherwise fast-draining soil. Excellent drainage is essential, as Cleveland sage does not tolerate soggy roots.

Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal supplemental irrigation and can thrive with natural rainfall in suitable climates.

Hardiness: Generally suited to USDA Zones 8–11, with cold tolerance varying according to exposure and growing conditions. Sunset climate zones include 8, 9, and 12–24.

Pruning: Lightly prune in late fall, winter, or after flowering to maintain a compact, attractive shape. Avoid cutting deeply into old, leafless wood, as it may not readily resprout.

Landscape Uses

Cleveland sage ‘Winnifred Gilman’ is a versatile choice for gardens that celebrate natural beauty while conserving water. Use it in:

• California native and pollinator-friendly gardens
• Mediterranean and drought-tolerant landscapes
• Fragrant borders and sensory gardens
• Dry slopes, rocky gardens, and well-drained hillsides
• Wildlife gardens and sunny, low-water planting beds

Its vivid blue-violet flowers create a beautiful contrast with silver-gray foliage, ornamental grasses, and other drought-tolerant perennials and shrubs.

A California Native with a Story

Introduced in 1964 at Strybing Arboretum, now the San Francisco Botanical Garden, ‘Winnifred Gilman’ was named in honor of Winnifred Gilman. Today, it remains a beloved selection for its exceptional fragrance, colorful blooms, and suitability for water-wise California gardens.

Why Grow Winnifred Gilman Cleveland Sage?

Enjoy a beautiful, fragrant, and low-water shrub that supports pollinators, thrives in sunny gardens, and brings the distinctive character of California's native landscape to your outdoor space. Once established in the right location, this hardy sage is a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking seasonal color with minimal maintenance.