Is Silver Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

How far apart do I plant Silver Sage?

Space Silver Sage about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Silver Sage hardy on the Front Range?

Silver 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 Silver Sage need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Silver Sage native to Colorado?

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

Is Silver Sage deer-resistant?

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

How long does Silver Sage bloom?

Silver 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

Silver Sage

Salvia argentea

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

Silver Sage (Salvia argentea) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 to 30 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Huge silver-furred rosette; short-lived but reseeds; touch the leaves.

Plant Select®low water18 to 30 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: "Chicago Botanic Gdn, English Gdn, west border 180723 478 Ceratotheca triloba 'Alba' African Foxglove, Salvia argentea Silver Sage, Leucanthemum 'Snowcap' Shasta Daisy, Hemerocallis 'Baja', Phlox 'Blue Paradise'" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 2: "Salvia argentea A" by Wouter Hagens is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
Photo 3: "銀灰鼠尾草 Salvia argentea [波蘭 Krakow Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden, Poland]" by 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide 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 4: Richard Avery, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: (c) Kostas Zontanos, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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: 18 to 30 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: white
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
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 Silver Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Silver Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Silver Sage get?: It matures to about 18 to 30 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Silver Sage?: Space Silver Sage about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Silver Sage hardy on the Front Range?: Silver 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 Silver Sage need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Silver Sage native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Silver Sage deer-resistant?: Silver Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Silver Sage bloom?: Silver Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.