Winnifred Gilman Cleveland Sage

Winnifred Gilman Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman') is a magnificent, intensely fragrant California native perennial shrub producing dramatic whorled spikes of rich, deep dark blue flowers above a dense, billowing mound of deeply aromatic grey-green foliage that releases an intoxicating, camphoraceous sage fragrance with every warm breeze. Widely regarded as one of the finest and most beautiful Cleveland sage selections available, Winnifred Gilman is celebrated for its compact, well-branched habit, exceptionally deep dark blue flower color, extraordinary drought and heat tolerance, and the unparalleled fragrance that makes Cleveland sage one of the most beloved and evocative native plants of the California chaparral landscape.

Grown from certified organic heritage stock, each plant arrives with a Professional Grade root system — deep, fibrous, and fully established for vigorous growth in challenging low-water and coastal California conditions. Winnifred Gilman thrives in full sun with excellent drainage and is highly drought tolerant once established — a cornerstone plant for California native gardens, water-wise landscapes, fire-resistant plantings, and Mediterranean-style organic landscape designs across a wide range of warm-climate growing conditions. Its magnificent deep dark blue blooms, intoxicating native fragrance, and outstanding ecological value for native bees and hummingbirds make it an essential anchor for any authentic California native plant garden or organic pollinator habitat.

• Magnificent Deep Dark Blue Native Blooms — Rich, whorled spikes of deep dark blue flowers deliver one of the most vivid and deeply saturated native blue flower colors available in any California native salvia — a spectacular, authentic chaparral display that few ornamentals can rival.
• Extraordinary Intoxicating Native Fragrance — Intensely aromatic grey-green foliage releases an intoxicating, camphoraceous sage fragrance that is among the most beloved and evocative scents of the California chaparral landscape — unmatched by any non-native aromatic herb.
• Exceptional Drought & Heat Tolerance — Perfectly adapted to California's summer-dry Mediterranean climate, Winnifred Gilman thrives with minimal to no supplemental irrigation once established — essential for authentic water-wise and fire-resistant California native landscapes.
• Premier Native Bee & Hummingbird Plant — Deep dark blue flower whorls are outstanding attractors for native bees, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and beneficial insects, providing critical habitat and forage for native pollinators throughout the bloom season.
• Authentic California Native Garden Essential — A cornerstone plant for California native gardens, chaparral habitats, fire-resistant landscapes, and low-water organic designs — Winnifred Gilman is irreplaceable for gardeners seeking authentic Pacific Coast native beauty and ecology.

These 4" healthy live plants thrive in full sun (6–8 hours daily) with excellent drainage — plant in well-drained to rocky or sandy soil and water sparingly until established; once established, little to no supplemental irrigation is needed in California and Mediterranean climates. Hardy in USDA zones 8–10, growing 3–5' tall with a spread of 4–6'. Deep dark blue flower whorls bloom late spring to early summer (April–June); trim lightly after bloom to maintain a compact, productive form and extend the productive life of the plant for many seasons in the organic native garden.