Are you looking to add height and drama to your Colorado garden? Look no further than these magnificent 4 ft tall perennials. These towering beauties will create a stunning backdrop for your landscape while providing vibrant colors throughout the growing season.
Let's explore 15 spectacular 4 ft tall perennials that thrive in Colorado's climate and how they can enhance your cottage and cutting gardens.
Why Choose 4 ft Tall Perennials?
4 ft tall perennials are the perfect solution for adding vertical interest to your garden. These statuesque plants create a sense of depth and dimension, drawing the eye upward and making your outdoor space feel larger.
Whether you're designing a cottage garden or planning a cutting garden, 4 ft tall perennials are essential elements that can transform your landscape.
15 Colorful 4 ft Tall Perennials for Colorado Gardens
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
Bloom time: Early to midsummer
Color: Blue, purple, pink, or white
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Water requirements: Medium
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Color: Mauve-pink
Height: 4-7 feet
Width: 2-4 feet
Water requirements: Medium to high
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Bloom time: Midsummer to fall
Color: Lavender-blue
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 2-4 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Color: Various (pink, red, yellow, white)
Height: 4-8 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Water requirements: Medium
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Color: Purple, pink, or white
Height: 2-5 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Bloom time: Midsummer to fall
Color: Yellow
Height: 3-10 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani)
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Color: Yellow
Height: 4-8 feet
Width: 2-4 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima)
Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Color: Yellow with dark center
Height: 5-7 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Water requirements: Medium
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Color: White or pale lavender
Height: 4-7 feet
Width: 2-4 feet
Water requirements: Medium to high
False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Color: Blue-purple
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 3-4 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Bright red
Height: 3-4 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Water requirements: Medium to high
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Red, pink, purple
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Water requirements: Medium
Tall Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Pink, white, purple
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Water requirements: Medium
Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Color: Blue, purple, pink, white
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Water requirements: Medium
15.Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Yellow with a brown center
Height: 3–5 feet
Width: 1–2 feet
Water requirements: Low to medium
Incorporating 4 ft Tall Perennials in Cottage and Cutting Gardens
Cottage Gardens
Cottage gardens are characterized by their informal, romantic, and abundant plantings. These charming gardens often feature a mix of flowers, herbs, and edibles in a seemingly haphazard arrangement.
4 ft tall perennials play a crucial role in cottage gardens by providing height and structure.To create a cottage garden using 4 ft tall perennials:
Plant them in groups of odd numbers for a natural look.
Mix them with shorter plants to create layers.
Allow them to self-seed for a wild, informal appearance.
Combine different textures and colors for visual interest.
Cutting Gardens
Cutting gardens are designed specifically for growing flowers to be cut and used in floral arrangements. The selection of vibrant blooms from your garden can brighten up any indoor space or event.
Here’s how you can effectively design a cutting garden with these stunning plants:To design a cutting garden with 4 ft tall perennials:
Plant them in rows for easy access and maintenance.
Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs.
Include a variety of colors and bloom times for year-round interest.
Provide support for tall stems with stakes or trellises.
Designing with 4 ft Tall Perennials
When incorporating these magnificent plants into your garden design, consider the following tips:
Use them as a backdrop for shorter plants.
Create focal points by planting them in groups.
Combine different heights for a dynamic landscape.
Plant them along fences or walls for added privacy.
Incorporate them into mixed borders for depth and interest.
By thoughtfully integrating these stunning 4 ft tall perennials into your Colorado garden, you can create a breathtaking landscape that provides beauty and interest throughout the growing season. Whether you're designing a cottage garden or a cutting garden, these towering beauties will add height, color, and drama to your outdoor space!
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