Cashmere Sage
Phlomis cashmeriana
Cashmere Sage (Phlomis cashmeriana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Whorls of lavender-pink flowers on tall stems over silver-green foliage.
Plant Select®low to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Phlomis cashmeriana
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Bloom color
- purple, pink
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cashmere Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cashmere Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Cashmere Sage get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Cashmere Sage?
- Space Cashmere Sage about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Cashmere Sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Cashmere Sage is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cashmere Sage need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Cashmere Sage native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cashmere Sage deer-resistant?
- Cashmere Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Cashmere Sage a good firewise plant near the house?
- Cashmere Sage is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Cashmere Sage bloom?
- Cashmere Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
