Ten Plants Colorado Lawns Love (And You Can’t Kill)
Are you struggling to keep the beds and gardens on your Colorado property alive? Do you lose so many plants and flowers that you’re convinced you have a black thumb? Maybe it’s not you – perhaps it’s the type of vegetation you’re planting on your Colorado lawn.
Here at Lawn Doctor Denver, we understand that land throughout our region have unique soil compositions and growing conditions, making it difficult for certain plants to grow well. Stop spinning wheels tending to flowers and trees that don’t have a chance of survival simply because of where we live. Instead, focus a little gardening love on these ten hardy plants that have what it takes to thrive on your Colorado yard – they just may redeem your black thumb reputation with your neighbors.
Knock Out Shrub Roses
Knock Out shrub roses are tough, resisting disease and doing their best to keep sprouting gorgeous red flowers, no matter what Mother Nature has planned. Plant as you would any standard bush, adding a little extra food or fertilizer for extra strength and growth. Knock Out shrub roses offer a free-form shape and are an excellent choice for a hedge around your property.
Yellow Alyssum
Also known as madwort, Aurania saxatilis, and (a personal favorite) “Basket of Gold,” yellow alyssum sprouts rich, vibrant yellow blooms mid-spring. Yellow alyssum is not only beautiful but it’s also tough, crowding out weeds wherever it’s rooted. Plant with daffodils, tulips, or shrub roses in a spot where it will get some good sun.
Small Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes and other smaller tomato varieties are a great way to get a gardening win under your belt. After June 1st, you can plant your seeds in a 10-gallon pot filled with quality soil, watering twice a day (or consistently as needed). Ask your local gardening center about fertilizer to promote the best growth possible.
Marvel Of Four Seasons Lettuce
This robust lettuce is packed with delicious, buttery flavor. Its colorful red and green leaves are sure to add a little visual pop to any plate. Plant Marvel of Four Seasons with herbs, Asian greens, or breakfast radishes, watering regularly until its sprouts reach about an inch or two in height.
Black-Eyed Susan
Scientifically known as Rudbeckia fulgida, the Black-Eyed Susan does well in most soils; however, it grows best in soil with good drainage. These flowers come in a variety of sizes and can be used along borders in your property, in beds, or in containers to add bright bursts of color throughout your yard.
Junipers
These versatile plants are not only beautiful, but they are also highly functional. Home and business owners in Colorado can use Junipers as a windscreen as well as a deterrent for deer and dogs. Combine your Junipers with shrub roses and other blooms to enhance the natural beauty of the planting. Provide supplemental watering during the initial winter and throughout the first spring to help it take solid root.
Blue “Spirea”
Technically a caryopteris, the Blue spirea offers a free-flowing shape and light blue flowers throughout the hottest Colorado months. Best of all, this shrub is a beacon to a variety of bee species, making it a great option for the environment. Plant in a spot where it will receive plenty of natural sunlight.
Dwarf Irises
The drought-resistant Dwarf Iris blooms in early March, showcasing gorgeous purple petals. The small bulb of the Dwarf Iris means you won’t have to dig as deep into the soil as you do for other flowers. Bonus: Dwarf Irises are inexpensive; when buying in bulk, these bulbs can costs approximately 15 cents apiece. Plant them anywhere you’d like to enjoy the first early blooms of the season.
Lilac
Lilac’s bloom lovely purple flowers around May, igniting the surrounding air with a vibrant fragrance that announces spring’s arrival. Lilacs have earned their reputation as being “prairie tough,” capable of withstanding drought and full sunlight. Best of all, these shrubs top out at 7-8 feet, making them an excellent option for border plantings and privacy screens.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is one of the telltale signs that spring has officially arrived in Colorado. Find a spot on your yard that receives plenty of sunlight and has proper draining to ensure the roots don’t become overly saturated. Plant with daffodils and tulips for an added burst of seasonal colors that complement the pink, lavender, blue, and white blooms found on the creeping phlox.
Lawn Doctor Denver: We Know Colorado Plants
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