Dry winds and extreme weather characterize Denver’s climate. This semi-arid climate does not support many outdoor plants since the soil is also alkaline. However, Denver’s harsh climate should not limit your landscaping dreams, since several low-maintenance shrubs can spruce up your garden. The low-maintenance shrubs can survive with minimal watering and require less pruning. They are also less prone to diseases, meaning you spend less on pesticides and herbicides. But what shrubs do well in Denver’s climate? Continue reading to learn more about easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrubs for your Denver garden.
Key Considerations for Denver Shrub Selection
The desire for beautiful gardens has inspired homeowners and other stakeholders to research the best landscaping ideas for Denver. But before you select shrubs for your garden hedge, consider whether they can survive in Denver’s climate. Here are key factors to consider.
- Drought Tolerance. Denver’s semi-arid climate necessitates water conservation. Select shrubs that survive with minimal watering.
- Cold Hardiness. Denver winters can be freezing. Choose cold-hardy shrubs that will survive through the chilly winters.
- Wind Resistance. Denver experiences dry and strong winds in winter. The winds stress some plants, leading to stunted growth or weathering. Select wind-resistant shrubs for your garden.
- Soil Conditions. Denver soil is mostly alkaline. Since many plants do not do well in alkaline soils, select shrubs that can tolerate Denver’s soil.
List of Recommended Low-Maintenance Shrubs
While you can have a beautiful green garden in Denver, the semi-arid climatic conditions limit your choice of outdoor plants. However, the limitations should not derail your landscaping objectives. Here are five low-maintenance shrubs that do well in Denver.
1. Peking Cotoneaster
The Peking cotoneaster is a medium-sized attractive shrub that does well in Denver. It has small green leaves and pink or white flowers. While most gardeners prefer Peking cotoneaster for its foliage, its apple blossom-like pink flowers are also spectacular.
Peking cotoneaster’s cold hardiness is remarkable. It can endure freezing temperatures of up to -40. This low-maintenance shrub also survives on minimal moisture, meaning it does not require frequent watering. Pruning is also minimal, with experts recommending pruning after flowering.
2. Red Twig Dogwood
The red twig dogwood is a large deciduous shrub with small dark green leaves that turn purple-red in fall. It blooms in late spring or early summer to give white flowers. The red twig dogwood is a low-maintenance plant that only requires watering during a dry spell and can tolerate partial shades. It does not require frequent pruning, with most gardeners only pruning the shrub after two to three years.
3. Buffaloberry
Buffaloberry is another excellent option for Denver gardeners looking for hedging shrubs. It grows to thirteen feet tall, but some can be as short as three feet. Buffaloberry has small dark greenish leaves and blossoms to yellowish or brownish flowers. Most gardeners prefer it for its low-maintenance needs since it can tolerate infrequent watering and partial shade. Pruning is also done annually in late winter or early spring.
4. Elderberry
Elderberry is another draught-resistant and cold-resistant shrub that does well in Denver. The shrub can grow to 12 feet tall, but some species reach 5 feet high. It features large bright green leaves and white flowers. Pruning is done annually in late winter or early spring. Since it is a low-maintenance shrub, you only water it during dry spells.
5. Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn sumac is a fairly large shrub with green leaves and yellow-greenish flowers. It is among the best landscaping shrubs in Denver because it tolerates alkaline soil conditions, withstands strong winds, and does not require frequent watering. Pruning is done in late winter or early spring.
Visit Nick’s Garden Center for All of Your Landscaping Needs
While Denver’s climate and soil conditions do not support many outdoor plants, Nick’s Garden has a variety of low-maintenance shrubs for your gardening ideas. Contact us today to learn more about shrubs and outdoor plants to include in your Denver garden.
