Top 10 Most Common Xeriscape Plants in Denver

Creating a vibrant and water-efficient xeriscape garden in Denver involves careful plant selection that can thrive in the semi-arid climate. At Ace of Spades Gardening & Design, we've curated a list of the top 10 most common xeriscape plants for Denver. These hardy and water-wise options not only conserve resources but also add beauty and resilience to your outdoor oasis.



1. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): Known for its striking blue-gray foliage, Blue Fescue is a compact ornamental grass that adds texture and color to xeriscape gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal water once established.

2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): Russian Sage is a popular xeriscape plant with aromatic silver-gray foliage and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It's drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and adds a touch of elegance to your garden.

3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pinnatifada): Blanket Flower is a native perennial with vibrant, daisy-like blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's well-suited for xeriscape gardens, attracting butterflies and thriving in full sunlight.

4. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): With its tubular flowers in various colors, Penstemon is a versatile xeriscape plant that adapts well to Denver's climate. It's a favorite for attracting hummingbirds and requires minimal water once established.

5. Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.): Ice Plants are low-growing succulents with colorful, daisy-like flowers. They're excellent ground covers, providing a vibrant carpet of blooms while being highly drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a hardy and adaptable plant with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters. Available in various colors, it's well-suited for xeriscape gardens and attracts beneficial insects.

7. Agave (Agave spp.):Agaves are iconic succulents with striking rosette shapes and often spiky leaves. They're well-suited for xeriscape gardens, requiring minimal water and adding architectural interest.

8. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria): Also known as Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker features tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's a resilient and drought-tolerant plant that adds vertical interest.

9. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina): Lamb's Ear is a low-maintenance ground cover with soft, silvery leaves. It's drought-tolerant and adds texture to xeriscape gardens. The fuzzy leaves are also deer-resistant.

10. Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'): A compact ornamental grass, Dwarf Fountain Grass features arching plumes in late summer. It's drought-tolerant, adds a graceful element to the garden, and requires minimal water once established.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Resilience and Beauty

Incorporating these top 10 xeriscape plants into your Denver garden not only conserves water but also creates a tapestry of resilience and beauty. At Ace of Spades Gardening & Design, we specialize in designing xeriscape gardens that thrive in harmony with Denver's unique climate. Contact us to bring these water-wise wonders to your outdoor space and cultivate a garden that flourishes with vitality and charm.