Choosing Flowers for Your Landscape in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs’ unique climate—with its freezing winters and dry summers—can make maintaining a vibrant garden challenging. Selecting the right flowers that thrive throughout the year is key to creating a beautiful, sustainable landscape.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best flower choices and explore some native wildflowers that not only enhance your garden’s beauty but also attract pollinators like butterflies and honeybees.

Flourishing Flowers to Keep Your Colorado Springs Yard Lively Year-Round

Spring (March-May): Cold-Hardy Blooms

Spring in Colorado Springs is marked by fluctuating temperatures and potential late freezes. To ensure a flourishing garden, focus on planting cold-hardy flowers that can withstand these conditions. Classic spring bulbs, planted in the fall, should start blooming in vibrant pinks, purples, and whites.

Spring Favorites:

• Tulips
• Iris
• Daffodil
• Snowdrops
• Hyacinth
• Balkan anemone
• Crocus

These flowers are perfect for adding color early in the season when temperatures can still dip below freezing.

Summer (June-August): Heat-Tolerant Varieties

Summers in Colorado Springs can be hot and dry, so it’s best to choose drought-tolerant flowers and native plants that are naturally adapted to local conditions. Mulch beds are essential in summer, helping to maintain cooler soil temperatures and reduce water evaporation.

Summer Favorites:

• Petunia
• Coleus
• Zinnia
• Marigold
• Echinacea
• Geranium
• Annual Salvia

These flowers not only thrive in hot, dry weather but also add a pop of color to your landscape.

Fall (September-November): Preparing for Winter

Fall is the time to start planting bulbs for the next spring and to incorporate cold-hardy flowers into your garden. The warm color palette of reds, oranges, and yellows is perfect for embracing the fall season. It’s also your last chance to plant perennials before the first freeze.

Fall Favorites:

• Goldenrod
• Asters
• Plumbago
• Furman’s Red Saliva
• Blanket Flower
• Coneflowers
• Hummingbird Flower

Incorporating pumpkins and gourds can further enhance your garden’s autumn aesthetic.

Winter (December-February): Adding Seasonal Charm

While flowers typically won’t survive Colorado Springs’ freezing winters, you can still create visual interest in your garden. Use evergreen tree tops, ribbons, pinecones, and even Christmas lights to keep your landscape appealing through the cold months.

Wildflowers That Attract Butterflies and Honeybees

Native wildflowers are a fantastic addition to your garden, not only because they’re adapted to Colorado’s unique environment but also because they support local pollinators. Butterflies and honeybees are essential for fertilizing flowers, and by including plants that attract them, you can create a thriving, pollinator-friendly garden.

Popular Colorado Wildflowers for Pollinators:

• Rocky Mountain Penstemon: This striking purple flower blooms in late spring and early summer. Its tubular shape makes it ideal for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
• Blanketflower (Gaillardia): With its fiery red and yellow petals, the blanketflower is a hardy perennial that blooms throughout summer, drawing butterflies and bees with its vibrant color.
• Blue Flax: Delicate blue flowers bloom in early summer, and their nectar-rich petals are a favorite among bees.
• Black-Eyed Susan: This bright yellow wildflower is a staple in Colorado gardens and a magnet for butterflies.
• Milkweed (Asclepias): Known for supporting monarch butterflies, milkweed is essential for attracting these iconic pollinators.

By integrating these native wildflowers into your landscape, you’re not only enhancing your garden’s visual appeal but also contributing to the local ecosystem.

General Tips for a Thriving Garden Year-Round

• Plan for Spacing: Ensure your plants have enough room to grow without competing for resources, yet are spaced closely enough to create a cohesive look.
• Deadhead Regularly: Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep your garden looking fresh.
• Maintain a Consistent Watering Schedule: Adjust based on weather conditions, and consider using drip irrigation for more efficient water use.
• Fertilize Monthly: Use a bloom booster to encourage healthy growth.
• Amend the Soil: Enrich your soil with compost and top it with mulch to retain moisture and protect plant roots.
• Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly check your plants for signs of trouble to address issues early.

A well-planned flower bed can truly transform your landscape, making your property stand out year-round.

Related: Avoid These Flowers That Are Toxic to Dogs

Hiring an Expert Colorado Springs Landscaper

By choosing the right flowers for each season and incorporating native wildflowers, your garden in Colorado Springs can become a colorful, inviting space for both you and local pollinators.

For expert help with your landscape design, reach out to Alpine Landscaping today!