Salvia clevelandii is an evergreen shrub that reaches 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) in height and width.

The fragrant, ashy green leaves are obovate and rugose, growing less than 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long.

Flowers are on 30 cm (12 in) spikes, with numerous whorls of upright amethyst blooms opening in June–July.

[5] Cleveland was an amateur botanist and civic leader from San Diego, who had taken an interest in the local flora and fauna, sending his collections to Gray over a 20-year correspondence.

Plants prefer dry summers, good drainage, and tolerate full sun in cooler areas.