Xeric & Drought-Resistant Plants for Colorado Climates
At Nick’s we carry a wide variety of drought-resistant and xeric plants that are suited for Colorado’s dry climate. These plants will keep your landscaping blooming while conserving water resources. We have the best selection in the Denver area, including speciality and hard-to-find species.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help find the right drought-resistant plants for your home and xeriscaped outdoor space.
Xeric & Drought-Resistant Species for Colorado Climates Include:
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bushes provide long-lasting color late into the growing season. Like its name suggests, this plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds into your outdoor space. The color of its flowers vary from white to pink to purple, magenta, and tricolor. Depending on the variety, sizes range from 3’ to 8’ tall and similar width and grow in a very natural and unique arching formation. Most bushes die back almost to the ground in winter. Pruning heavily in spring to remove last year’s growth will aid in year-long growth.
Siberian Pea Shrub
Siberian Pea Shrub
This plant is a very hardy and durable plant with bright yellow Spring flowers and fern-like leaves. The standard species can grow very large, approximately 12’ to 15’ tall. There are also miniature varieties available. The plant gets its name because its flowers resemble sweet peas.
Potentilla
Potentilla
This plant is native to Colorado and is extremely drought tolerant. It blooms all Summer with white, red, and coral-pink flowers. A general pruning in early Spring will help keep the shrub tight and uniform.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage
This plant is common in Colorado and is popular along roadways because it is so hardy. It has a beautiful, lavender-colored flowers that last late into the growing season. It generally reaches 4’ to 6’ tall and will fill out horizontally as well.
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris)
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris)
This shrub produces unique, blue tufts of flowers in the late Summer. It remains small, reaching about 3’ to 4’ tall and 2’ to 3’ wide. Its graceful branching and dried fuzzy blooms make this a beautiful Winter species, too.
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Cistena Plum)
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Cistena Plum)
One of the first shrubs to flower every year, this shrub is covered in pink flowers before the leaves come out. When the foliage grows in, the shrub is a showy solid purple color throughout the growing season, adding great color contrast to the rest of your yard. It is fast growing, reaching around 8’ tall. It’s easily shaped and maintained with regular pruning.
Golden Currant
Golden Currant
This shrub thrives in sunny areas and produces fragrant, yellow flowers in the Spring. It also has edible fruit that is tasty and attracts wildlife. Its shape is skinny and narrow and grows to be 6” to 8” tall.
Sand Cherry
Sand Cherry
This plant is native to Colorado and is incredible hardy and drought resistant. It provides color early on with pink flowers that bloom in Spring. Depending on the variety, it can be low and creeping or grow in as tall bushes that may reach up to 8’.
Availability of xeric plants varies throughout the year, so contact Nick’s to see what we have in stock. We can help you find the perfect drought-resistant plants to complement your patio and landscaping.
