The Front Range of Colorado is generally semi-arid, hence not conducive to many popular outdoor plants. The good news, however, is that many low-maintenance plants do well in this region when it comes to landscaping.
Learn how to choose low-maintenance outdoor plants from Nick’s Garden Center.
Characteristics of the Front Range Climate
The Front Range region of Colorado has a semi-arid climate with about 300 days of sunshine. Similar to many regions, the Front Range experiences four seasons including summer, winter, spring, and fall. Each season has different climatic conditions.
- Summer. In summer, the Front Range region of Colorado is often dry and sunny. Occasionally, thunderstorms occur in the area, characterized by heavy rainfall.
- Spring. In spring, conditions vary in the Front Range. Some days may be snowy and rainy. Other days may be sunny or mild.
- Winter. The Front Range region gets a freezing winter. In addition to freezing temperatures, winters in the Front Range are also characterized by winter storms and strong winds.
- Fall. Cool to mild temperatures prevail in the Front Range of Colorado during the fall. Occasional rain showers and early snowfall might occur during fall.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Outdoor Plants
The fluctuating and sometimes harsh weather in the Front Range is unsuitable for all outdoor plants. The only plants that thrive here are those that can survive temperature fluctuations. Some factors that can help you choose the best outdoor plants are:
Drought Tolerance and Water-wise Gardening
Since the climate in the Front Range is very dry, outdoor plants must be drought resistant. These plants have adaptations such as deep root systems and succulent leaves that help them survive with minimal watering. If the plants are not drought resistant, they should tolerate water-conserving gardening techniques.
Cold Hardiness and Frost Tolerance
The Front Range of Colorado experiences cold winters. As such, an excellent outdoor plant should withstand these conditions. Such plants have thick bark, hairy stems, and evergreen foliage that protects against frost.
Soil Adaptability and PH Requirements
The soil in the Front Range is alkaline. Therefore, outdoor plants in this region should have exceptional tolerance to alkaline conditions. In particular, they should withstand the mineral imbalances associated with alkaline soils.
Sun Exposure and Shade Considerations
The Front Range has many sunny days a year. For this reason, it would matter to select plants that can thrive under direct sunlight. However, if a plant cannot tolerate full sun, it should be able to thrive in complete or partial shade.
Native and Adaptive Plant Species
Native plants have evolved and adapted to the local environment. They can withstand the climate and soil conditions of the region. However, if you want non-native plants, choose those that are adaptive. Although non-native, adaptive plants can withstand the climate in the Front Range.
Examples of Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants for the Front Range
The climate of the Front Range in Colorado may seem to limit when it comes to outdoor plant options. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of plants you could use to lift the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Some top examples of low-maintenance plants that do well in Front Range include:
Low-Maintenance Flowering Plants
- Russian sage
- Blue flax
- Blanket flower
- Prairie smoke
- Coneflowers
Drought-Tolerant Succulents and Cacti
- Kalanchoe
- Agave
- Echeveria
- Prickly pear cactus
- Yucca
Evergreen Plants for Year-Round Appeal
- Colorado blue spruce
- Bristlecone pine
- Mountain Hemlock
- Dwarf Alberta Spruce
- Japanese Yew
Transform Your Outdoor with Low Maintenance Plants
With its unpredictable weather and drought, Front Range Colorado’s climate is unsuitable for many outdoor plants. Fortunately, you can still beautify your lawn with low-maintenance outdoor plants. These hardy plants can withstand the Front Range climate and provide year-round beauty and resilience.
Contact us to discover the best low-maintenance plant options for your outdoor space.
