Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

How far apart do I plant OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage?

Space OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage hardy on the Front Range?

OLYMPUS Gold Leaf 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 OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage need?

It needs low water once established.

Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage deer-resistant?

OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage bloom?

OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage

Salvia chrysophylla

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

OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage (Salvia chrysophylla) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Compact silver-gold foliage with purple flowers; Turkish mountain sage.

Plant Select®low water8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: peganum from Small Dole, England, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: "Salvia chrysophylla" by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 3: peganum from Small Dole, England, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: "Salvia chrysophylla" by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 5: "Salvia chrysophylla (19886041672)" by peganum from Small Dole, England is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 6: "Salvia chrysophylla (19893538705)" by peganum from Small Dole, England is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

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

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early summer, mid summer
Bloom color: purple, yellow
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
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 OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage get?: It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage?: Space OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage hardy on the Front Range?: OLYMPUS Gold Leaf 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 OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage need?: It needs low water once established.
Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage deer-resistant?: OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage bloom?: OLYMPUS Gold Leaf Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.