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Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'
Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'
Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'
Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'

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Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'

(Cleveland Sage or California Blue Sage) This drought-tolerant, evergreen, California native is a compact, aromatic shrub with electric blue-purple flowers that bloom in summer. Discovered in a Berkeley, California, garden, Winnifred Gilman is a fine variety of the species.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Cleveland Sage or California Blue Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 8 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 48"/48"/48"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Drought resistant
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. No
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 3 to 4 feet
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  • Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'
  • Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman'
Degree of Difficulty
Challenging
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is can be challenging to grow in conditions outside those in which it is found in the wild.
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Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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(Cleveland Sage or California Blue Sage) This drought-tolerant, evergreen, California native is a compact, aromatic shrub with electric blue-purple flowers that bloom in summer. Discovered in a Berkeley, California, garden, Winnifred Gilman is a fine variety of the species.

We have grown it successfully without watering during the summer. The strongly scented flowers attract honeybees and hummingbirds in abundance.

As far as we know -- and there is a great deal of anecdotal information about this variety -- this is a true S. clevlelandii, unlike the popular Alan Chickering' or Whirly Blue varieties. Winnifred Gilman is denser in it's growth than either of these cultivars and has darker flowers. A mid-height Salvia, it is attractive as a screen or border shrub and also is a good addition to a cut-flower garden.

This California native can be very difficult to grow outside of natural growing areas.