Best Xeriscape Plants for Colorado

Posted: Apr 29, 2023

Agave plant in a gravel bed

Xeriscaping is a popular and effective method of landscaping that can help conserve water and create beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Colorado is a state that is known for its arid climate and frequent droughts, which makes xeriscaping an excellent option for property owners who want to conserve water and create a low-maintenance landscape. One of the key parts of xeriscaping is choosing the right plants for your landscape that generally require little water or maintenance.

Here’s a look at 10 plants that are well-suited to xeriscaping in Colorado:

10 Great Plants for Colorado Xeriscaping

  1. Agastache

    Agastache, also known as hummingbird mint or hyssop, is a perennial herb that is native to the western US, including Colorado. This plant produces fragrant flowers that come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and orange. Agastache grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach heights of up to 4 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

  2. Agave

    Agave is a succulent plant that is well-suited to xeriscaping in Colorado due to its ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat. This plant produces large rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that come in a range of colors, including blue, green, and gray. Agave grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and requires very little water once established. This plant is native to the southwestern US and Mexico and has become a popular choice for xeriscaping in recent years.

  3. Blue Avena Grass

    Blue Avena Grass is a hardy ornamental grass that is well-suited to xeriscaping in Colorado. This plant produces striking blue-green foliage that adds texture and color to any xeriscape property. Blue Avena Grass grows best in full sun and well-draining soil and can reach heights of up to 2 feet. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become popular in xeriscaping here in the US due to its ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat.

  4. Creeping Western Sand Cherry

    Creeping Western Sand Cherry is a low-growing shrub that is native to Colorado. This plant produces fragrant white or pink flowers in the spring, and also produces edible fruit that is popular with birds and wildlife. Creeping Western Sand Cherry grows best in full sun and well-draining soil and can reach heights of up to 2 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is extremely drought-tolerant.

  5. Fernbush

    Fernbush is a native Colorado shrub that is popular due to its attractive foliage. This plant produces fragrant white or pink flowers in the summer. Fernbush grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach heights of up to 6 feet. This plant is well-suited to xeriscaping in Colorado due to its ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat.

  6. Goldenrod

    Goldenrod is a hardy wildflower that is native to Colorado. This plant produces bright yellow flowers in the late summer and fall, adding color to any xeriscape garden. Goldenrod grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach heights of up to 4 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

  7. Silver Sagebrush

    Silver Sagebrush is a low-growing shrub that is native to the arid regions of western North America, including Colorado. This plant has a distinctive silver-gray foliage that adds color and texture to any xeriscape garden. Silver Sagebrush grows best in full sun and well-draining soil and can reach heights of up to 3 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is highly drought-tolerant and can grow in a wide range of soil types.

  8. Wild Rose

    Wild Rose is a hardy shrub that is native to Colorado. This plant produces beautiful pink flowers in the summer, and also produces edible fruit that is popular with birds and wildlife. Wild Rose grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach heights of up to 6 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is highly drought-tolerant.

  9. Yucca

    Yucca is a popular xeriscape plant that is native to the southwestern US and Mexico. This plant produces rosettes of spiky leaves and tall spikes of white or cream-colored flowers that add texture and interest to any xeriscape garden. Yucca grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach staggering heights of up to 10 feet. This plant is well-suited to xeriscaping in Colorado due to its ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat.

  10. Yarrow

    Yarrow is a hardy perennial that is native to Colorado. This plant produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in a range of shades, including pink, yellow, and white. Yarrow grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, and can reach heights of up to 3 feet. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it is highly drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.


Looking to Create a Beautiful Xeriscape Commercial Property in the Denver Area?

Our team at GroundMasters Landscape Services has the expertise you need to transform your commercial property into a winter wonderland and keep it well-maintained no matter the season. Our year-round services include lawn care, irrigation system maintenance, tree & shrub care, and landscape enhancements – along with storm cleanup and snow & ice removal for any pesky late-season snowstorms.

To see what GroundMasters can do for your Denver-area business or commercial property, give us a call at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.