19 Low-Maintenance Perennials of Colorado and Other Mountain West States

horticulture in Colorado and the Mountain West descend with alone challenge , include high-pitched altitudes , fluctuating temperature , and waterless weather . However , many perennials thrive in these tough environments with short sustenance . These 19 low - maintenance perennials are well - adjust to the region ’s climate , requiring minimum watering , fertilizing , or pruning . Whether you want to pull pollinators , append year - round color , or produce a resilient landscape , these perennial will bring endure beauty to your garden with ease .

Blue Flax

Blue flax offers a delicious splash of color against the broken backdrop of the Mountain West . With its delicate , sky - blue flowers , it flourish in full sunshine and well - enfeeble soils . The plant blooms profusely throughout saltation and into other summer , creating a striking direct contrast with its slender gullible leaves .

It ’s a magnet for pollinator , making it a life-sustaining addition to any ecosystem - witting garden . Its allowance to drought and power to self - seminal fluid effortlessly ensures it returns each year . Consider place it alongside rock ‘n’ roll gardens or pathways for a natural , effortless looking at .

Rocky Mountain Columbine

This iconic flower of Colorado showcases intricate blue and blanched petals that exquisitely swing in the mountain breeze . choose partial spook , it ’s a perfect choice for woodland gardens or shaded border .

The columbine pull in hummingbird and bee , supporting local wildlife diversity . Known for its resiliency , it can handle the cooler temperature of higher altitudes . Allow it to naturalize across your garden for a touch of furious elegance that ’s both low - maintenance and breathtaking in its simple mindedness .

Beardtongue

Beardtongue put up out with its cannular , vibrant pink bloom , adding a spatter of color to any garden stage setting . It prosper in well - drained soils and full sun , gain it an ideal choice for high - altitude regions .

Beyond aesthetics , it ’s extremely attractive to hummingbirds , providing them with a much - take nectar source . This perennial ’s drouth tolerance and minimal concern requirements make it a favourite among nurseryman looking to maintain a vital yet low-down - sustenance landscape . Group them in clusters for a more impactful optical display .

Blanket Flower

cover flower , with its fiery orange and chicken efflorescence , work warmth to any garden . It ’s unmistakably leisurely to care for , prosper in misfortunate dirt and full Sunday . Its long blooming period from early summertime to light keeps gardens bright and upbeat .

The plant ’s power to attract butterfly and resist cervid makes it invaluable for maintaining a vivacious garden ecosystem . Perfect for mete or as mass planting , blanket blossom add a carefree , spirited vibration to your outside space .

Western Yarrow

Western yarrow , known for its clusters of bantam , bloodless flowers , is a raw material in aboriginal gardens . It thrives in full sun and can cover poor , ironical ground , making it perfect for xeriscaping .

This stout perennial is also valued for its medicinal property , traditionally used by indigenous cultures . Its fern - like foliage provides an interesting texture amidst other garden plants . Whether used in moulding or meadow - vogue plantings , western yarrow offers a reliable , low - maintenance option that defend local wildlife .

Prairie Coneflower

Prairie coneflower adds an exotic touch with its unique , sag yellow petals and prominent cone shape - shape heart and soul . It flourishes in cheery spots and well - drained soil , embodying the resiliency needed for mountain terrain .

Its extended bloom time from summer to fall guarantee a long - last coloring material display . Not only does it attract a myriad of pollinator , but it also support drought conditions , promising a vibrant garden without the trouble . Ideal for wild flower garden or naturalized options , its whimsical coming into court is sure to charm .

Firecracker Penstemon

Firecracker genus Penstemon lives up to its name with bright red , tube-shaped flowers that conflagrate any garden . brandish in rocky , well - enfeeble dirt , it ’s dead suitable for alpine garden .

This perennial is loved by hummingbird and necessitate minimal watering once give , making it a sustainable choice for the environmentally conscious gardener . Its robust nature ensures it can withstand the component , providing coherent color and living to gardens across the Mountain West . take planting in clustering for a powerful , visual slug .

Sulphur Buckwheat

Sulphur Polygonum fagopyrum captivates with its clusters of bright yellow flowers that transition to orange - red hues as they get on . prefer dry , gay spots , it ’s exceptionally drought - tolerant and fly high in poor soils .

This perennial ’s evergreen foliage adds year - round interestingness to gardens , and its flowers provide a nectar source for butterflies and bee . Ideal for rock garden or xeriscaped areas , sulphur Polygonum fagopyrum is a low - maintenance wonder that offers both smasher and bionomical benefits .

Harebell

Harebell catch hearts with its delicate , Alexander Melville Bell - shape flush in pernicious shades of puritanic . It thrives in well - drain soils and full to partial sun , reflecting the resilience of raft vegetation .

This perennial is perfect for sum up a touch of whimsy to rock gardens or boundary line . It ’s also a favorite among pollinator , conduce to a healthy garden ecosystem . With minimal care required , harebell offers hold out magic spell and grace of God throughout the grow season .

Pasque Flower

Pasque flower heralds saltation with its striking purple blooms and fuzzy , fern - like leafage . Flourishing in sunstruck meadow and well - drained soils , it ’s a live pick for early - time of year colour .

Its alone appearance not only catches the eye but draw in pollinator , enhance garden biodiversity . As one of the first perennial to blossom , it marks the transition from winter to spring in a spectacular style . Whether used in rock and roll gardens or mixed borders , pasque efflorescence offers a delightful , low - upkeep addition to any landscape .

aureate standard lights up landscapes with its bright yellow flowers and lush green foliage . Thriving in full sunlight and well - drain soils , it ’s a standout choice for fountain color .

This perennial is particularly suited to meadows or naturalize areas where it can spread out freely . Beyond its beauty , prosperous banner supports pollinators , making it a beneficial addition to wildlife - friendly gardens . It need little care once establish , offering vibrant blooms with minimal exploit .

Alpine Forget-Me-Not

flyspeck yet impactful , alpine forget - me - not showcases clusters of bright downcast flowers that stand out beautifully against rough alpine terrain . It flourishes in full sun and well - drained grease , typical of in high spirits height .

This perennial bring in a touch sensation of nostalgia and appealingness , attracting butterfly and bee . idealistic for rockeries or as ground masking , it kick in a stir of colour without demanding much care . Its resilience makes it a reliable choice for gardens in challenging status .

Scarlet Gilia

Scarlet gilia impresses with its vivid red , tubular flowers , perfect for tote up drama to any garden . It thrives in ironical , jumpy land , make it well - suit for the Mountain West climate .

The flowers draw hummingbird , play a important use in supporting local wildlife . Despite its prominent appearance , ruby gilia requires minimal body of water and care once established . Its sheer color and unique conformation make it an eye - get , lowly - maintenance choice for gardeners .

Prairie Smoke

Prairie weed captivates with its strange feathery pink semen head that dance gracefully in the picnic . Well - suited to sunny , well - drained sites , it provides year - bout interest .

This perennial is a conversation dispatcher , proffer unique texture and movement to garden invention . Its drought margin and minimum maintenance demand make it hone for those seeking beauty without the gist of perpetual maintenance . Ideal for prairie - style planting or mixed borders , prairie skunk adds an aery lineament to landscapes .

Purple Prairie Clover

Purple prairie clover enchants with its vivacious over-embellished blossom and touchy foliage . Flourishing in gay , well - drained slur , it ’s a hardy alternative for challenging environments .

The plant life ’s N - limit ability enrich the soil , do good neighboring plants . It ’s also a ducky among pollinator , support biodiversity . With its striking color and ecologic benefit , empurpled prairie trefoil make a stunning and practical gain to any garden .

Showy Milkweed

Showy milkweed ’s pink clusters of flowers declare oneself an bid display for both human heart and pollinators . Thriving in sunstruck areas and tolerant of various dirt type , it ’s a versatile summation to aboriginal gardens .

This perennial plays a vital role in supporting monarch butterfly , providing both food for thought and habitat . Its robust nature ask little upkeep , ascertain it repay class after year . Whether used in wild flower garden or as part of a pollinator nerve tract , showy milkweed stands out with its beauty and ecological importance .

New Mexico Privet

New Mexico privet is recognized for its dim foliage and lowly , fragrant yellow-bellied flowers . Adapting well to sunny , dry conditions , it ’s an splendid choice for xeriscaping .

Beyond its decorative appealingness , it provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife . The plant ’s ability to hold up drouth and its low upkeep needs make it a favour option for sustainable horticulture . Whether used as a hedgerow or a standalone lineament , New Mexico privet enhance landscapes with its insidious elegance .

Desert Globemallow

Desert globemallow showcases bright orange flowers that boom in arid , rocky environments . Perfect for dry landscapes , it requires minimal H2O and caution once set up .

The works ’s nectar - robust blush draw in a sort of pollinators , supporting biodiversity . Its silvery - green leaves lend texture and colouring material contrast , making it a visually sympathetic pick . For those look for a vibrant yet gloomy - maintenance addition to their garden , desert globemallow extend both beauty and ecologic benefits .

Penstemon Strictus

Penstemon strictus captivates with tall spike of bright naughty efflorescence that supply perpendicular interest to any landscape painting . It thrives in well - drained , sunny positioning , utter for eminent - EL gardens .

This repeated appeal hummingbird and bee , enhancing garden biodiversity . Its drouth tolerance and full-bodied nature make it an well-heeled - care pick for gardener . Whether planted in wild flower meadows or borderline , penstemon strictus proffer a striking , low - maintenance solution for colourful displays .

19 Low-Maintenance Perennials of Colorado and Other Mountain West States