Fringed Sage
Artemisia frigida
Fringed Sage (Artemisia frigida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water12 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Online from $9.59 at 1 retailerPhotos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Artemisia frigida
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads via rhizomes; moderate but persistent
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Fringed Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Fringed Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Fringed Sage?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Spreads via rhizomes; moderate but persistent
- How big does Fringed Sage get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Fringed Sage?
- Space Fringed Sage about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Fringed Sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Fringed Sage is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Fringed Sage need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Fringed Sage safe for dogs?
- No. Fringed Sage is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Fringed Sage deer-resistant?
- Fringed Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Fringed Sage bloom?
- Fringed Sage blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
