Gardening in Colorado presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges, thanks to its diverse elevations and climate conditions. From the sun-soaked plains to the rugged mountain slopes, each region offers distinct growing environments that can support a wide array of beautiful flowers.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, selecting the right plants for your specific elevation is crucial for creating a thriving garden. In this guide, we’ll explore the best flowers suited for low, mid, and high elevation gardens in Colorado, complete with essential information on their size, sunlight and water requirements, and soil preferences.
Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Colorado gardening!
Best Flowers for Colorado Gardens - Low Elevation Gardens (3,000-6,000 ft)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
Maximum elevation: 7,000 ft
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, very drought-tolerant
Soil: Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Maximum elevation: 7,500 ft
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Size: 18-24 inches tall and wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Maximum elevation: 7,000 ft
Blue Flax (Linum perenne)
Size: 12-24 inches tall and wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained
Maximum elevation: 8,000 ft
Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)
Size: 12-24 inches tall and wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky
Maximum elevation: 7,000 ft
Whirling Butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri)
Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained
Maximum elevation: 7,000 ft
Best Flowers for Colorado Gardens - Mid-Elevation Gardens (6,000-8,000 ft)
Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
Sun: Part shade to full sun
Water: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Maximum elevation: 8,500 ft
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens)
Size: 6-12 inches tall and wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
Maximum elevation: 10,500 ft
Broadbeard Penstemon (Penstemon angustifolius)
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky
Maximum elevation: 8,500 ft
Wild Rose (Rosa woodsii)
Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Adaptable, prefers well-drained
Maximum elevation: 10,000 ft
Best Flowers for Colorado Gardens - High Elevation Gardens (8,000+ ft)
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
Size: 3-6 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, adaptable
Maximum elevation: 11,000 ft
Alpine Phlox (Phlox condensata)
Size: 2-4 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-drained, rocky
Maximum elevation: 14,000 ft
Sky Pilot (Polemonium viscosum)
Size: 4-8 inches tall and wide
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, rocky
Maximum elevation: 14,000 ft
Alpine Avens (Geum rossii)
Size:4-8 inches tall and wide
Sun:Full sun
Water:Low to moderate
Soil:Well-drained, rocky
Maximum elevation:14,000 ft
Parry's Bellflower (Campanula parryi)
Size:4–12 inches tall and wide
Sun:Full sun to part shade
Water:Moderate
Soil:Well-drained, moist
Maximum elevation:13,000 ft
Alpine Forget-Me-Not (Eritrichium nanum)
Size:1–2 inches tall, 2–4 inches wide
Sun:Full sun
Water:Low to moderate
Soil:Well-drained, rocky
Maximum elevation:14,000 ft
These plants are well-suited for their respective elevations in Colorado and will provide a variety of colors and textures for your garden.
Where to Buy
For a wide selection of Colorado-friendly plants, visit High Country Gardens. They specialize in cold-hardy, drought-tolerant plants perfect for Colorado's climate.For local options, check out The Garden Bin in Longmont, which offers a variety of plants well-suited to Colorado gardens.Remember to consider your specific microclimate, soil conditions, and elevation when selecting plants for your garden. With the right choices, you can create a beautiful, thriving Colorado garden that will bloom year after year.
In conclusion, choosing the right flowers for your Colorado garden is essential for ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy plants.
By understanding the specific needs of each flower and considering your garden's elevation, you can create a stunning landscape that thrives in Colorado's unique climate. Whether you opt for the resilient Purple Coneflower at lower elevations or the striking Fireweed high in the mountains, each plant contributes to the beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space.
Remember to visit local nurseries like. The Garden Bin in Longmont for quality selections tailored to Colorado's environment. Happy gardening, and may your efforts yield a flourishing garden that brings joy for years to come!
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