Xeriscape Plants in Colorado

Apache Plume

• Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is native to Colorado and the entire Southwest region of the United States. This xeriscape plant can grow to heights ranging from 4 to 6 feet and spread just as wide. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but thrives in clay loam or sandy loam soils. The pale blooms range in color from white to pink. The pink, feathery seed heads last deep into the winter months. It prefers full sun with little water but tolerates light shade and periods of moderate rainfall.

Nasturtium

• Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) grow to heights ranging from 6 to 12 inches. The profusely flowering plants produce blooms in shades of mahogany, orange, red and yellow. The flowers are edible says the University of Colorado Cooperative Extension. Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil conditions; they perform best in clay soils that are infertile and dry. Nasturtium perform best in locations that receive full sun in the morning and partial shade later in the day.

Spider Flower

• Spider flower (Cleome hasslerana) can grow to heights ranging from 4 to 5 feet. This xeriscaping plant produces blooms that are somewhat exotic looking, says the University of Colorado Cooperative Extension. The branching, spiny stems hold flowers whose stamens and pistils protrude from a seed head that appears to have whiskers. The self-sowing plant's flowers come in a variety of shades including of rose, violet, pink, white and purple. Spider flower thrives in dry soils located in sunny locations, but tolerates some shade.

Moss Rose

• Moss rose(Portulaca grandiflora), produces rose-shaped blooms in a variety of brilliant shades including coral, peach, pink, maroon, red, white and yellow. The succulent stems sprawl along the ground and the self-sowing plant can take over a flowerbed if not pruned. Moss rose thrives in hot, arid locations that receive full sun.

Herbs

• The University of Colorado Cooperative Extension recommends several herbs for xeriscaping. Several varieties of yarrow and sage perform well under dry conditions. The size, flower shades and foliage colors vary by species. They also recommend the herbs santolina and horehound as appropriate xeriscaping plants.