Cashmere Sage
Phlomis cashmeriana
Cashmere Sage (Phlomis cashmeriana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Whorls of lavender-pink flowers on tall stems over silver-green foliage.
Plant Select®low to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- purple, pink
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cashmere Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cashmere Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Cashmere Sage get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Cashmere Sage?
- Space Cashmere Sage about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Cashmere Sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Cashmere Sage is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cashmere Sage need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Cashmere Sage native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cashmere Sage deer-resistant?
- Cashmere Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Cashmere Sage a good firewise plant near the house?
- Cashmere Sage is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Cashmere Sage bloom?
- Cashmere Sage blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
