Top Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low-Water Landscapes in Boulder County
Top Drought-Tolerant Plants for Low-Water Landscapes in Boulder County
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Beauty That Doesn’t Need a Hose
Boulder County’s semi-arid climate, watering restrictions, and long dry spells make traditional landscaping tough. But with the right plant palette, you can build a yard that looks amazing and thrives with minimal water. These are our favorite drought-tolerant plants — proven to survive and shine in local conditions.
1. Perennials That Love Colorado Soil & Sun
1. Perennials That Love Colorado Soil & Sun
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Tall, wispy, purple blooms
Thrives in full sun, poor soil
Deer-resistant and long-blooming
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Bright yellow/orange flowers
Very low water needs
Blooms all summer into fall
Penstemon (Multiple Varieties)
Native hummingbird magnet
Spiky flower stalks in red, pink, or purple
Tolerates rocky soils
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Flat, colorful blooms in many colors
Spreads well in tough areas
Handles poor, dry soil like a champ
2. Shrubs & Ground Covers That Hold Up
2. Shrubs & Ground Covers That Hold Up
Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
Native shrub with golden fall bloom
Excellent for erosion control
Works in wild/native designs
Creeping Thyme
Low-growing ground cover
Produces soft purple flowers
Can be walked on — great between stones
Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)
Lacy white flowers with feathery seed heads
Grows fast, resists pests
Works well in naturalistic or modern landscapes
3. Ornamental Grasses That Need Almost No Water
3. Ornamental Grasses That Need Almost No Water
Blue Grama Grass
Native to the plains
Small and clumping with distinct seed heads
Excellent for meadows and xeriscapes
Little Bluestem
Turns copper/red in fall
Handles extreme heat and cold
Vertical accent in low-maintenance designs
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis)
Upright, sculptural form
Great in grouped or modern designs
Very hardy and adaptable
4. Design Tips for Low-Water Planting
4. Design Tips for Low-Water Planting
Group by water needs — don’t mix thirsty with drought-tolerant
Mulch well — holds moisture and suppresses weeds
Space for maturity — many xeric plants expand over time
Water to establish — all plants need regular water their first season
Avoid overwatering — less is more once established
5. Bonus: Xeric Doesn’t Mean Desert
5. Bonus: Xeric Doesn’t Mean Desert
You don’t have to use only cactus and gravel. Most of the plants above bloom colorfully, attract pollinators, and offer seasonal texture — while still thriving on 50–75% less water than traditional landscapes.
Related Services:
Related Services:
Want a Yard That Thrives Without a Sprinkler Schedule?
Want a Yard That Thrives Without a Sprinkler Schedule?
We’ll help you design and install a native, drought-tolerant landscape that looks alive all season — without the maintenance.
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