Is Russian sage good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Russian sage is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Russian sage?

The main things to know: Russian sage, root suckers can travel 6+ ft (was Perovskia)

How far apart do I plant Russian sage?

Space Russian sage about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Russian sage hardy on the Front Range?

Russian 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 Russian sage need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Russian sage grow?

Russian sage is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Russian sage native to Colorado?

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

Is Russian sage deer-resistant?

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

How long does Russian sage bloom?

Russian 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.

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Russian sage

Salvia yangii

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Front Range xeric staple. Lavender-blue haze of bloom from July through frost. Renamed from Perovskia atriplicifolia in 2017.

On the CSU listlow water2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: "Salvia yangii" by Robert M Hallock is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Photo 2: "Salvia yangii" by Nick Kleinschmidt is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Photo 3: "Salvia yangii" by Christine Stone is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/.
Photo 4: "Salvia yangii" by Rod is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/.
Photo 5: (c) Bernhard Hildebrand, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 6: (c) Daughter Dad, 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: sandy, loam, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: blue, purple
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Spreads aggressivelyRussian sage, root suckers can travel 6+ ft (was Perovskia)

Planting & establishment

Water deeply 1×/week first summer; minimal after. Cut to ~6 inches in early spring, blooms on new wood.

Pruning: hard (rejuvenation).

Frequently asked questions

Is Russian sage good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Russian sage is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Russian sage?: The main things to know: Russian sage, root suckers can travel 6+ ft (was Perovskia)
How big does Russian sage get?: It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Russian sage?: Space Russian sage about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Russian sage hardy on the Front Range?: Russian 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 Russian sage need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Russian sage grow?: Russian sage is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Russian sage native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Russian sage deer-resistant?: Russian sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Russian sage bloom?: Russian 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.