Colorado Springs Xeriscape Plants
Colorado Springs is a unique environment to say the least. Colorado Springs includes multiple elevations, unexpected weather patterns, and can go from drought to drenched in a matter of a few days. If you’re searching for plants to place on your Colorado Springs property you need flowers and grasses that will handle Colorado Spring’s torrid weather and more importantly, its infrequent precipitation.
If you want a plant that’ll do great in Colorado Spring’s dry air, you want native and xeriscape plants. Most Colorado Springs homeowners are only aware of typical plants available at the big box home improvement store, but there’s a whole list of native and xeriscape plants that will look great and perform great in Colorado Springs’ yards.
Let’s find out more about native and xeriscape plants, including what they are, why they grow well in Colorado Springs, and recommendations on planting your own native and xeriscape plants on your Colorado property.
What are Native Plants?
Native plants are naturally growing and occurring plants in any given region. Native plants were here before humans began building houses in Colorado Springs and are excellent choices for planting for any Colorado Springs homeowner. Native plants have evolved to handle Colorado Spring’s climate and require little to no extra maintenance from homeowners to look great.
What are Xeriscape Plants?
Xeriscape plants are trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that require little to no supplemental irrigation. Xeriscape plants can easily handle the dry conditions of Colorado Springs without gallons of extra water or careful monitoring from the homeowner. The term ‘xeriscape’ was coined not too far from Colorado Springs by Denver’s Water Department.
Why Xeriscape and Native Plants?
Native and xeriscape plants look great but don’t tax your wallet, time, or the local environment. There are a seemingly limitless number of plants to install on your property but if they aren’t native or xeriscape plants, they’re going to cost you extra time or money and might die anyway.
Xeriscape and native plants can require some maintenance but for the most part it’s “plant it and forget it.” These plants thrived before human intervention and will do fine in your yard. As a bonus, native plants encourage a stronger local ecosystem and native flowers are excellent for local pollinators. If you want to do something to help your local ecology – plant native and xeriscape plants.
Best Plants to Grow in Colorado Springs
Xeriscape and native plants come in a wide variety of types and colors, are easy to purchase at local garden stores, and best of all require little maintenance to look great. If native and xeriscape plants look great to you, what are your options?
Plant Note: Though we’re separating native and xeriscape plants, they are not mutually exclusive. Many native Colorado Springs xeriscape plants are considered native plants and vice versa.
Colorado Springs Native Plants
- Native Trees – Rocky Mountain maple, Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, pinon, and various juniper varieties all thrive in Colorado Springs without supplemental water once established. These trees provide shade, privacy, and year-round structure to your landscape. When selecting, pay attention to mature sizing. Some natives like Ponderosa pine grow quite large and are better suited for properties with ample space, while smaller options like Rocky Mountain maple work well in tighter yards.
- Native Shrubs – Serviceberry, rabbitbrush, currant, sumac, wild rose, and snowberry offer seasonal interest that keeps your landscape dynamic through the year. Expect spring blooms, summer berries, and striking fall color from these reliable performers. Many native shrubs also attract birds and beneficial insects, adding life and movement to your outdoor space. Rabbitbrush, in particular, puts on a brilliant yellow display in late summer when many other plants have faded.
- Native Flowers – Primrose, penstemon, sunflower, clover, goldenrod, and sage deliver vibrant color without constant watering. Many of these are pollinator magnets, drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. For maximum visual impact, plant these flowers in drifts rather than scattering individual specimens. A mass of penstemon or goldenrod creates a far more striking effect than single plants dotted across a bed.
- Native Grasses – Indian rice grass, blue grama grass, and little bluestem add texture, movement, and year-round interest to your landscape. These grasses are excellent for erosion control on sloped properties and require minimal maintenance. Cut them back once annually in early spring, and they will reward you with fresh growth and graceful seed heads that catch the low autumn light.
- Xeriscape Trees, Shrubs, and Grasses (Non-Native Adapted) – Beyond natives, many adapted non-native plants perform beautifully in Colorado Springs with very little water. For trees, consider Kentucky coffeebean, Autumn Blaze Maple, and Hot Wings Tatarian Maple. These provide shade and structure while handling dry conditions with ease. Among shrubs and perennials, agastache, catmint, yucca, coral bells, prairie coneflower, Panchito manzanita, and blue avena grass all deserve consideration. Colorado Springs Utilities maintains a searchable database of 380 water-wise plants, an excellent local resource for filtering by sun exposure, height, bloom time, and pollinator appeal. For a broader look at what grows well across the region, you can explore our guide on the best plants for Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs Xeriscape Plants
Xeriscape Trees – Most native Colorado trees like Rocky Mountain Juniper and Maple also use little water and are considered great xeriscape trees. There are small ornamental xeriscape trees made for lawns like Kentucky coffeebean and large xeriscape trees meant for shade or to establish privacy or boundaries like Gambel oak.
Xeriscape Flowering Shrubs and Grasses– Agastache, Fernbrush, Catmint, Avena grass, Yucca, Coral Bells, Prairie coneflower, Panchito, and more.
There are dozens of different xeriscape options for all types of Colorado Springs gardens. Use online resources, The Colorado State University extension office, local landscaper help, and xeriscape-driven plant purchase guides like High Country Gardens to see all your different options.
Landscaping for Your Colorado Springs Property
Trying to pick and choose the right plants for your Colorado Springs property can be tough if like most, you’re unfamiliar with native plants.
If you want to avoid the research and store trips to find the best plants, use a Colorado Springs landscaping company to help you pick and install xeriscape and native plants. Colorado Springs landscapers know what USDA zone you’re in, what issues your property faces, and what type of native or xeriscape plants would look best on your property. Many local landscapers also offer warranties on installed plants that die, something you can’t do for yourself.
Planting the Best Plants to Grow in Colorado Springs
If you want plants in Colorado Springs that don’t require much maintenance, love your local soil, and perform better than their counterparts you want Colorado Springs xeriscape plants and/or native plants. Use resources from Colorado State University or meet with a JS Enterprises to help choose the best possible plants for your yard. Before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous Colorado Springs yard that works with, or even helps, the local environment.
How to Get Started with Xeriscape Planting on Your Colorado Springs Property
Start with research. The Colorado Springs Utilities plant database and the CSU Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at 2855 Mesa Road, sitting at an elevation of 6,427 feet, are hands-on resources where you can see mature plants in real landscape conditions. Consider professional help if the options feel overwhelming. JS Enterprises knows your USDA zone, property-specific challenges, and which plants will perform best. We also offer warranties on installed plants, something you cannot get when planting on your own. If xeriscaping is your primary interest, our Colorado xeriscaping company services can guide you from design through installation.
Above all, plan before you plant. Successful xeriscaping starts with a design-first approach: site analysis, hydrozoning, and soil preparation beat buying plants on impulse every time. Start small by converting one bed or zone at a time to spread out cost and effort.
Ready to begin? Contact JS Enterprises today for a free on‑site estimate and get a xeriscape plan tailored to your Colorado property, whether you’re in Castle Rock, Monument or Colorado Springs.
FREE ESTIMATES
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Xeriscape Plants
Rebate programs exist. Contact CSU directly for current eligibility and application details, as these programs change periodically.
