December 2025 Plant Of The Month

The Winnifred Gilman Cleveland Sage is a cultivar distinguished by its exceptionally deep blue flowers, a color seldom encountered in cultivated gardens. Its fragrance has been described as reminiscent of the American West, though interpretations may vary. Recognized as a UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars plant, this sage features red flowering stems enhanced by vivid blue blossoms that are both highly aromatic and visually striking.

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub

Size: 3–4 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide

Habit: Mounding, Compact

Flower Color: Cobalt blue, abundant

Flowering Season: Spring, Summer

Foliage Character: Evergreen, wrinkled leaves, with semi-deciduous tendencies in summer

Foliage Color: Pale green, Olive green

Fragrance: Notably pleasant, comparable to other Cleveland sages

Wildlife Supported: Butterflies, caterpillars, bees, hummingbirds, birds

Landscaping Information

Sun Exposure: Partial shade (e.g. afternoon shade, dappled shade, or north-facing slope)

Moisture Requirements: Low.  Organic mulch helps retain summer moisture

Soil Drainage: Well-draining soil; ideal for use as a small shrub on slopes

Cold Tolerance: Withstands temperatures down to 10°F

Natural Habitat: Native to the inland foothills and slopes from San Diego County to Baja California.  Thrives in chaparral communities.

Function: Banks, Slopes, Borders, Suitable for small spaces, Wildlife value, Fragrant foliage and flowers, Foliage accent, Flowering accent, California native.

Maintenance

To encourage robust, bushy growth, pinch or prune back young plants regularly during the first year. While this may reduce flowering initially, do not worry.  It leads to increased bloom production and enhanced plant longevity and appearance. Plants that are not pruned in the early years may develop elongated flower stalks that can break under their own weight. Following spring or early summer flowering, prune as desired to shape the plant; this can stimulate additional blooming but may limit seed development for wildlife. Remove dead seed heads in autumn, and prune further as needed. Consider retaining some dry, pruned seed heads in the garden to provide food, nesting material, and habitat for birds and beneficial wildlife. In fall, cut branches back by one-third to one-half (or more) of the leafy portion to maintain compactness, ensuring at least two leafy nodes remain per branch, as regrowth may not occur if cut below these points into older wood.