Cleveland sage is a very aromatic, large sage, from the chaparral and coastal scrub plant groups with purple flowers and grey-green leaves. It needs good drainage, sun and minimal water and can grow to be more than eight feet wide.

This plant is good for filling sunny, open areas and blooms spring to late fall. Its flowers are particularly distinctive and look like little lavender space stations. Its fragrance can be quite intense, even overbearing to some noses. It attracts a variety of insects and its dense foliage is sometimes used as a nesting space by birds.