Is Shangri-La Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

How far apart do I plant Shangri-La Sage?

Space Shangri-La Sage about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Shangri-La Sage hardy on the Front Range?

Shangri-La 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 Shangri-La Sage need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Shangri-La Sage native to Colorado?

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

Is Shangri-La Sage deer-resistant?

Shangri-La Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Shangri-La Sage bloom?

Shangri-La 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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Shangri-La Sage

Salvia moorcroftiana x indica

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

Shangri-La Sage (Salvia moorcroftiana x indica) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 30 to 48 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Huge silver-felted Himalayan sage with tall purple-and-cream flower spikes.

Plant Select®low to medium water30 to 48 in tall and 24 to 36 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: peganum from Small Dole, England, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: peganum from Small Dole, England, 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: 30 to 48 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide
Planting spacing: ~25 to 36 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: purple, white
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

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 Shangri-La Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Shangri-La Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Shangri-La Sage get?: It matures to about 30 to 48 in tall and 24 to 36 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Shangri-La Sage?: Space Shangri-La Sage about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Shangri-La Sage hardy on the Front Range?: Shangri-La 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 Shangri-La Sage need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Shangri-La Sage native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Shangri-La Sage deer-resistant?: Shangri-La Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Shangri-La Sage bloom?: Shangri-La Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.