When the heat Is on, native plants shine

If you’re looking for flowers and shrubs that can tolerate hot, dry conditions with grace, take a look at our foothills landscape in the Water-wise Neighborhood of our Demonstration Garden at the Conservation & Environmental Center. Our garden showcases native plants that thrive when temperatures rise, unlike landscape plants from cooler, wetter climates.

Here are four reasons these plants succeed when temperatures soar:

1. Prairie and southwestern native plants are built for heat. 

Plants such as Prairie zinnia, New Mexico privet, Englemann’s daisy, and Baby Blue rabbitbrush naturally grow in regions with intense summer sun and heat. Once established, many can be watered just 2 to 4 times per month and look great when temperatures climb above 90 degrees. While traditional landscape plants often look their best during the cool weather of spring and fall, prairie and desert plants reach peak performance in midsummer.

 2. Silver-leaved plants create more beauty. 

Tall blue rabbitbrush, western sage and fringed sage feature silvery-gray leaves that reflect sunlight and create striking contrast with surrounding green foliage. These plants provide visual interest even when they're not blooming and help landscapes blend naturally with the foothills and prairie environments of the Pikes Peak region. As a bonus, many silver-leaved plants are exceptionally drought tolerant. 

3. Late-season blooms support hummingbirds and pollinators.

Late summer flowers provide valuable nectar when many other plants have finished blooming. Native species such as butterfly weed attract painted ladies and swallowtail butterflies, while flowering plants like sunset hyssop are magnets for hummingbirds. Adding late-blooming natives helps support wildlife while keeping landscapes colorful well into fall. 

4. Small gravel mulch works well with native plants.

Many native plants prefer drier conditions around their crowns and roots than wood mulch can provide. A layer of small gravel helps conserve soil moisture, reduces erosion and gives plantings a clean, finished appearance. Gravel smaller than ½ inch is typically the easiest to maintain and weed.

If you're ready to replace struggling plants with tougher, more climate-adapted alternatives, visit the Water-Wise Demonstration Garden and check out the Foothills Landscape in the Water Wise Neighborhood. It can inspire you to bring the same heat-tolerant beauty to your own yard.