Richly fragrant, beautifully rounded, and wonderfully useful in dry gardens, Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’ is one of the most desirable California native sages. Its aromatic foliage forms a handsome 3' x 3' shrub, topped in May and June with whorls of tubular violet-blue flowers that hummingbirds find absolutely irresistible.

Also known as Cleveland sage or Winifred Gilman sage, this evergreen native shrub makes an outstanding backbone for water-wise plantings, difficult sunny sites, dry borders, slopes, habitat gardens, and native landscapes. The fragrant foliage adds year-round presence, while the bloom spikes pair beautifully with buckwheats, penstemons, yarrow, California poppies, grasses, and silver foliage.

Plant Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’ in full sun with excellent drainage. This sage dislikes soggy roots and performs best in lean, well-drained soil with little summer water once established. Deer resistant, pollinator-friendly, and aromatic, it is a classic native salvia for dry California gardens. Explore more fragrant favorites in our Salvia - Sage collection.