Is Cashmere Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Cashmere Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

Back to the plant finder

Cashmere Sage

Phlomis cashmeriana

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Cashmere Sage (Phlomis cashmeriana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early summer, mid summer
Bloom color: purple, pink
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.