Desert/Xeriscape Garden Ideas for Denver, Colorado
Native plants from the Western shortgrass prairie (Zone 5b)
USDA Zone 5b
Hardiness zone for Denver
Western shortgrass prairie
Native ecoregionWhy Desert/Xeriscape Gardens in Denver?
Denver, CO's arid climate makes xeriscaping not just a style choice, but a practical necessity. Desert gardens in Zone 5b showcase the dramatic beauty of succulents, cacti, and other drought-adapted plants that thrive with minimal irrigation.
Featured Trees & Shrubs for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
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Golden Currant
Ribes aureum
Native shrub that grows to 6 feet, yellow blooms in spring. Attracts hummingbirds.
Featured Grasses & Groundcovers for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
Blue Grama Grass
Bouteloua gracilis
Native grass that compact, purple blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Buffalo Grass
Buchloe dactyloides
Native grass that compact, green blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Native grass that grows to 3 feet, green blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Sand Dropseed
Sporobolus cryptandrus
Native grass that compact, green blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Featured Flowers & Perennials for Desert/Xeriscape Gardens
Hood's Phlox
Phlox hoodii
Native flower that compact, white blooms in spring. Attracts butterflies.
Purple Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe involucrata
Native flower that compact, purple blooms in summer. Attracts butterflies.
Soapweed Yucca
Yucca glauca
Native flower that compact, white blooms in spring. Pollinator-friendly.
White Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana
Native flower that compact, white blooms in summer. Drought-tolerant.
Bloom Calendar for Denver
spring
Hood's Phlox, Soapweed Yucca, Golden Currantsummer
Purple Poppy Mallow, White Sage, Blue Grama Grassfall
Broadleaf Arrowheadwinter
Limited bloomsDesign Tips for Zone 5b
- Choose plants rated for Zone 5b or colder to ensure winter survival
- Mulch heavily in fall to protect roots from freezing temperatures
- Group plants with similar water needs for efficient irrigation
- Include native plants from the Western shortgrass prairie for best results
Desert/Xeriscape Design Gallery for Denver
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