Top Drought-Tolerant Plants for Xeriscaping in Colorado’s Climate

Designing a resilient and visually appealing xeriscaping project in Colorado takes more than just selecting low-water plants. It requires understanding your site’s elevation, drainage, soil type, and the unique climate of the Front Range. With the right mix of perennials, shrubs, succulent plants, and native species, you can create a stunning landscape that attracts pollinators, resists heat, and flourishes with minimal water.

At BlackPine Hardscape, we specialize in landscape design that thrives in Colorado’s dry climate. Here’s a guide to the top plants—along with essential design tips—to help your xeriscape garden bloom year after year.

Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Colorado

1. Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

This striking purple flower is a staple in Colorado gardens. Native to the Rocky Mountains, Penstemon is heat-tolerant and a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds. It thrives in well-drained sand or prairie soil and makes a bold statement when grouped along walkways or near drip irrigation lines.

2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

A classic wildflower, yarrow offers white, pink, or orange blooms and has a long growing season. Its fern-like leaves provide texture while its resilience to drought and poor soil drainage make it an ideal perennial for xeriscaping. Yarrow also serves as a valuable food source for pollinators.

3. Blue Avena Grass (Avena spp.)

This ornamental grass adds texture and motion to your landscape design. Its bluish hue complements green foliage and pairs beautifully with lavandula or nepeta. Plant it in full sun to enhance curb appeal while requiring minimal care.

4. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

A low-maintenance favorite, Catmint thrives in poor soil and blooms for months. Its soft leaves, purple flowers, and ability to repel pests make it perfect for planting alongside pavers, borders, or lawn edges.

5. Iceplant (Delosperma spp.)

This colorful succulent plant hugs the ground and offers vibrant blooms in shades of pink, orange, and red. Ideal for retaining heat and filling gaps between rocks, Iceplant is a smart addition to xeriscaping projects.

6. Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)

A versatile shrub, Apache Plume delivers feathery seed plumes after its white flowers fade. Its upright growth habit and drought tolerance make it a unique accent in landscape architect designs or near hardscaping features like patios and walkways.

Native Shrubs and Trees

Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi)

Also called Western Sand Cherry, this shrub offers edible fruit, colorful foliage, and brilliant fall tones. It’s excellent for adding structure to your xeriscape garden and attracting wildlife.

Threeleaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata)

With leaves that turn fiery red in fall and excellent adaptability to dry soil, this native shrub is ideal for slopes and erosion control.

Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

This evergreen is hardy, drought-tolerant, and ideal for year-round greenery. Junipers are available in a variety of species and forms, from ground-hugging varieties to tall privacy screens.

Piñon Pine (Pinus edulis) and Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata)

These drought-tolerant pines are staples of the Colorado State University xeriscaping recommendations. Their hardiness and ability to withstand heat and dry conditions make them perfect for large spaces and high-elevation areas.

Colorful, Wildlife-Friendly Perennials

Prairie Winecups (Callirhoe involucrata)

This low-growing, trailing plant is ideal for cascading over rock walls or edging garden beds. Its magenta flowers bloom all summer, inviting butterflies and bees.

Agastache (Agastache spp.)

Also known as hummingbird mint, Agastache produces tall, fragrant flower spikes in shades of pink, purple, and coral. It’s perfect for borders or anchoring xeriscaped corners.

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

As Colorado’s state flower, Columbine brings a wild and whimsical touch. Choose blue or white varieties for a native look.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Its upright form and colorful spikes pair well with potentilla or berberis. Hyssop is known for attracting pollinators and for its low water needs.

Xeriscaping Tips for Success

• Choose native species that are adapted to Colorado’s dry climate, such as yucca, berlandiera lyrata, and cactus.
• Use drip irrigation systems to target plant roots and minimize water loss.
• Apply a thick layer of mulch—like pine needles or bark—to improve soil drainage, retain moisture, and reduce weeds.
• Group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering or underwatering your entire landscape.
• Avoid lawn overuse. Instead, incorporate low-water alternatives like sedum, zinnia, or papaver orientale.

Why Choose BlackPine Hardscape?

With decades of experience across the Front Range, BlackPine Hardscape is your go-to partner for landscape transformations that balance form and function. Whether you’re interested in incorporating perennials, evergreens, or custom hardscaping features into your design, our team helps you create a vibrant and water-wise garden tailored to your lifestyle.

• Family-Owned & Operated
• Custom Landscape Design & Installation
• Expert Knowledge of Colorado’s Native Plant Life
• Integrated Hardscape & Xeriscape Solutions

Schedule your consultation with BlackPine Hardscape today and start growing your dream drought-tolerant landscape.

FAQ: Xeriscaping Plants in Colorado

Q1: What’s the best tree for drought-tolerant landscaping in Colorado?

Pinus edulis (Piñon Pine) and Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) are excellent for their hardiness, low water needs, and adaptability.

Q2: Are xeriscape plants good for pollinators?

Yes! Plants like penstemon, agastache, and callirhoe are favorites of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q3: Can I still have color in a xeriscape garden?

Absolutely. Xeriscape gardens can be full of vibrant purple, orange, and blue blooms, especially with plants like nepeta, lavandula, and achillea.

Q4: What kind of mulch works best in xeriscaping?

Organic mulches like pine needles, wood chips, or bark are ideal for retaining soil moisture and reducing weeds.

Q5: Do I need a landscape architect to start xeriscaping?

While not required, working with a landscape architect or an experienced contractor like BlackPine Hardscape ensures a well-designed, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing result.