A Plant Select ® guide to plants For smart, stunning, successful western gardens
Beautiful, resilient plants for smart, stunning, successful gardens Gardening in the west is challenging – extreme and fluctuating temperatures, low natural precipitation and humidity, alkaline and mineral soils, higher altitudes, and sometimes howling winds. For gardeners, choosing plants can be confusing, intimidating and daunting if you don’t know where to turn for reliable information. These are the reasons Plant Select® was formed – a unique collaboration of Colorado State University, Denver Botanic Gardens, growers, landscape professionals, and public gardens in seven western states working together to find, test and distribute superior plants for the region. Western gardeners can have confidence when choosing Plant Select® plants – the work has been done for you! Every Plant Select® plant endures a rigorous 7-point selection process: • Thrive in a broad range of conditions • Flourish with less water • Tough & resilient in challenging climates • One of a kind/unique • Disease/insect resistance • Long-lasting beauty • Non-invasive 1
The plants This booklet describes and illustrates over 120 plants selected since the program’s launch in 1997. Some are new to horticulture, introduced through Plant Select®, others have been available at nurseries in small quantities but underutilized in the region’s gardens and landscapes. Many of the plants listed here are native to the Western U.S., some are native to North America, and others are native to parts of the world with similar climates and environments. New plants come to the program from plant explorations, plant breeders, partners and passionate backyard gardeners. New plants are also trialed for a minimum of two years at official trial sites, and evaluated by horticulturists and university experts. Shrubs and trees are tested for 3-5 years at several sites around the state of Colorado. 2
How to use this guide Plants are separated by type PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Low-growing, spreading plants that come back every year. TENDER PERENNIALS / ANNUALS Long-blooming plants that are adapted to warmer climates, but may overwinter in protected spots. Many of these are also excellent for use in containers. PETITES Lesser-known, smaller-statured, hardy plants that are excellent for rock gardens and small spaces. They can also be used in permanent containers that are protected from extreme winter temperatures. PERENNIALS Plants that come back every year, but often die to ground during winter. Check bloom times – some bloom for short periods, others for several months. Many are attractive even while not in flower. VINES Annual and perennial vines are featured – all need a structure or trellis to climb on. GRASSES Annual and perennial ornamental grasses are featured. Grasses add movement, texture and late summer interest. SHRUBS Woody plants that need little care. Combine with ornamental grasses and perennials, or use in dedicated shrub beds for lowest maintenance. TREES Smaller, ornamental trees to use as focal points in mixed plantings, or alone as garden specimens. CONIFERS Evergreen conifers with proven performance. 3
General selection, planting and care Selection Plants are seasonally attractive so when shopping at local garden centers it may be challenging to find “perfect” plants all season-long. Summer bloomers may be dormant in spring, and spring-bloomers may look less-than-desirable in mid-summer. You can plant for many months, so don’t let looks dissuade you. Check for healthy roots if in doubt, and always buy from trusted gardening sources who can answer your questions. Planting SOILS: Many Plant Select® plants prefer well- drained soils so it may be advisable to have your soil tested. Adding sand and/or gravel helps increase soil drainage. Planting in raised beds is also an option if your soils are compacted. PLACEMENT: If you’re concerned about a plant’s hardiness, place it closer to a building or large rocks for more protection. South sides of buildings are warmer, as well. MULCH: Gravel mulches are superior to wood or bark mulches for these native and adapted plants. Care Keep newly planted plants well-watered, but not saturated. Taper off the amount and frequency of watering as the plant appears able to maintain with less water. It may take a year or more for perennials to become “established,” and two or more years for shrubs, trees and conifers. Winter watering is advised during warm spells with no snow cover. Xeric plants should be watered until fully established. 4
Understanding plant icons Full Sun Minimum 6 hours/day Partial Shade Needs 3-4 hours direct light Full Shade Avoid direct sunlight Moderate Water regularly through season Dry Provide extra water only when dry Xeric No additional irrigation once established Deer Resistant Usually not bothered by deer Attracts Bees and Other Attracts pollinators, including bees, Pollinators butterflies and/or hummingbirds PLANT SIZE 8\" x 12\" Estimated size at maturity, height x width SOIL TYPE Clay Fine-grained soil type with slower drainage Loam Moderately drained soils with some organic content Sandy Coarse-grained, well-drained mineral soils USDA HARDINESS ZONES Zones 3-10 This zone rating system is based on average minimum temperatures. Lower zone rated plants are more cold hardy. ZONE 3: to -40° F ZONE 7: to 0° F ZONE 4: to -30° F ZONE 8: to 10° F ZONE 5: to -20° F ZONE 9: to 20° F ZONE 6: to -10° F ZONE 10: to 30° F 5
Winecups Callirhoe involucrata Minimum 6 hours/day PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Needs 3-4 hours direct light Western native wildflower with wine-red flowers April to Avoid direct sunlight frost. Wide-spreading, drought-tolerant and long-lived. Self-seeds. Water regularly through season 6\" x 30\" | Loam | Zones 3-9 Provide extra water only when dry No additional irrigation once established Prairie Lode sundrops Calylophus serrulatus ‘Prairie Lode’ Usually not bothered by deer Attracts pollinators, including bees, butterflies and/or hummingbirds PLANT SIZE Estimated size at maturity, height x width Native prairie species with yellow blossoms nearly all season. Tolerates wide range of sites. Selected by Bluebird Nursery for compact habit. 8\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Table Mountain ice plant ® Delosperma ‘John Proffitt’ Fast-spreading succulent with fuchsia-colored flowers most of the summer. Nearly evergreen in winter. Very adaptable. 2\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 6
PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Mesa Verde ice plant ® PP13,876 Delosperma ‘Kelaidis’ Iridescent, salmon-pink-flowers on compact plant. Vigorous and floriferous. 2\" x 12\" | Gravelly, clay or loamy soil | Zones 4b-8 Red Mountain ice plant ® Delosperma dyeri ‘Psdold’ Glowing red carpet of flowers primarily in late spring. Trim, succulent South African hardy ice plant. 2\" x 15\" | Clay, loam, or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Starburst ice plant ® Delosperma floribundum Clumping ice plant produces a dome of bright pinkish- purple flowers with white centers nearly all summer. 4\" x 10\" | Loam | Zones 5-9 7
Fire Spinner ice plant ® Delosperma ‘P001S’ PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Brilliant orange-red flowers with purple centers in early summer; green-apple foliage. Fast spreading and nearly evergreen. 2\" x 15\" | Sandy loam | Zones 5-10 Lavender Ice ice plant Delosperma ‘Psfave’ Iridescent lavender flowers with dark eye discovered at Perennial Favorites nursery in Rye, CO. Trim green mats turn purplish in winter. 2\" x 20\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Kannah Creek buckwheat ® Eriogonum umbellatum v. aureum ‘Psdowns’ Masses of yellow flowers turn orange as they age. Evergreen foliage runs purple-red in winter. Vigorous and adaptable western native. 12\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 8
PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Silverheels horehound Marrubium rotundifolium Mat-forming groundcover with rounded, fuzzy green leaves edged with silver. Stalks of white flowers in early summer. Adaptable. 4\" x 30\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Turquoise Tails blue sedum Sedum sediforme Robust, compact selection of turquoise-blue; creamy- yellow flowers mid-summer. Easy care; evergreen. Pioneered regionally by Lauren and Scott Ogden and Kelly Grummons. 6\" x 12\" | Clay, loam, or sandy soil | Zones 5a-10 Partridge feather Tanacetum densum ssp. amani Plush mats of silver feathery foliage spread modestly over time. Golden button flowers in summer. From SE Turkey by Peter Davis. Good drainage essential. 4\" x 18\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 9
Valley Lavender plains verbena ® Verbena bipinnatifida PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Vibrant lavender flower clusters above spreading stems with deeply cut leaves. Blooms late spring through frost. Great Plains native; attracts butterflies. 6\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 Crystal River veronica ® Veronica ‘Reavis’ Evergreen groundcover (cross between V. liwanensis and V. pectinata) with hybrid vigor. Tiny blue flowers in spring. Fast growing and vigorous. 3\" x 24\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Turkish veronica Veronica liwanensis Sturdy groundcover with small, nearly succulent evergreen leaves turning purplish in winter. Cobalt blue flowers April to June. 1\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-10 10
PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVERS Golden-flowered prairie zinnia Zinnia grandiflora ‘Gold on Blue’ ‘Gold on Blue’ was developed by David Salman for its vigor, blue-green foliage and large flowers. Excellent choice for hot, dry sites where it can spread as a large scale groundcover. 8\" x 18+\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 11
Tanager gazania ® Gazania krebsiana Orange daisies from early spring to late autumn. Glossy, TENDER PERENNIALS / ANNUALS dark green leaves turn deep purple in the winter. Reseeds moderately. 4\" x 10\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 6-9 Silver dollar plant Plectranthus argentatus Plush, silver, heavily textured leaves add interest; excellent filler plant. Very easy and adaptable in a variety of sites and soils. 30\" x 30\" | Loam | Annual Denver Daisy Rudbeckia Dark eyed, long-rayed daisy is a hybrid of Colorado native black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Commemorates Denver’s 150th anniversary. 20\" x 18\" | Gravelly, clay or loam soil | Zones 6-10 12
TENDER PERENNIALS / ANNUALS Cherry skullcap Scutellaria suffrutescens Low and mounding with continuous display of cherry-red flowers. Best in sunny, well-drained sites; raised beds, rock gardens or front of the border. 6\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 6-9 Blue Velvet pansy ® Viola x wittrockiana Large, velvety navy blue flowers complement lighter blossoms of Northern Lights pansy. Great for cool climates/fall planting. 8\" x 10\" | Loam | Annual Northern Lights pansy Viola x wittrockiana Plush mats of silver feathery foliage spread modestly over time. Golden button flowers in summer. From SE Turkey by Peter Davis. Good drainage essential. 8\" x 10\" | Loam | Annual 13
Silky rock jasmine PETITES Androsace sarmentosa ‘Chumbyi’ Charming yet tough Himalayan native. Furry gray-green rosettes form, silky semi-evergreen patches. Clusters of pink flowers rise on short stems in early summer. 2\" x 12” | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 Desert moss Arenaria ‘Wallowa Mountain’ Evergreen, exceptionally short and compact groundcover native to Oregon. Fine-textured bright green foliage resembles moss yet is very drought-tolerant. ½\" x 12\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 Scott’s sugarbowls Clematis scottii Mounds of blue-green, lacy foliage, topped in late spring- early summer by nodding blue flowers. Shimmering golden seed heads follow suit. Western native. 12\" x 15\" | Any soil; clay tolerant | Zones 4-7 14
PETITES Dalmatian pink cranesbill Geranium dalmaticum Low-growing perennial geranium with pink flowers in late spring/early summer. Aromatic leaves are glossy green all season turning red in fall. 4\" x 12” | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Goldhill golden-aster Heterotheca jonesii x villosa ‘Goldhill’ Tufted grey foliage makes dense mounds; small yellow daisies all season long. A natural hybrid of H. jonesii and H. villosa. Apparently sterile so won’t seed around. 2\" x 10\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-7 Sandia coralbells Heuchera pulchella Miniature version of the well-known coralbells with spikes of rose-pink bells in late spring. New Mexico native, evergreen. 6\" x 10\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-7 15
Dwarf beach-head iris PETITES Iris hookeri Compact, native North American iris with attractive green foliage framing blue flowers in late spring/early summer. Excellent foliage and textural accent. 10\" x 10\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 Dwarf piñon pine Pinus edulis selections Dwarf native piñon pine grows extremely slowly, forming tight mounds over many years. Extremely drought-tolerant dwarf conifer, adapting well to harsh conditions. 24\" x 24\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-7 Oxlip primrose Primula elatior Charming but tough primrose is hardier and more adaptable than other primulas. Soft yellow flowers above pale green rosettes of foliage in spring. 12\" x 15\" | Any soil; clay tolerant | Zones 4-8 16
PERENNIALS Coronado hyssop ® Agastache aurantiaca ‘P012S’ Intensely aromatic, silvery-leaved southwestern wildflower offers fiery color from midsummer to frost. Needs well drained sites. 15\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-8 Sonoran Sunset hyssop ® Agastache cana ‘Sinning’ PP13,673 Compact, large-flowered selection, blooming earlier and longer and with much showier lavender-rose flowers than the species. 15\" x 15\" | Clay or loamy soil | Zones 5-9 Coronado Red hyssop ® Agastache ‘Pstessene’ Brilliant crimson and maroon spires produced over a long summer season - an exciting new color to this outstanding group of aromatic native mints. 18\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-9 17
Sunset hyssop Agastache rupestris PERENNIALS Native to mountains of the Southwest; sunset-orange flowers from August to frost offer a great addition to water-smart gardens or perennial borders. 24\" x 15\" | Loam | Zones 4b-10 Colorado desert blue star Amsonia jonesii Blue stars April to early summer with beautiful, clear yellow fall foliage. Widely adaptable western native thrives in ordinary gardens or xeriscapes. 12\" x 12\" | Clay, sandy loam, or loamy soil | Zones 4-9 Cape-forget-me-not Anchusa capensis Evergreen rosettes topped by dazzling cobalt-blue flowers with white eyes throughout the season. May naturalize with moderate self-sowing. 12\" x 6\" | Clay, sandy loam, or loamy soil | Zones 5-10 18
PERENNIALS Filigree daisy Anthemis marschalliana Lacy mat of silvery foliage with 10” yellow daisies in May-June. Tough, mat-forming perennial for xeriscape or dry border. 4\" x 18\" | Clay or sandy soil | Zones 4-10 Denver Gold columbine ® Aquilegia chrysantha Very showy race of the golden columbine of the southern Rockies. Often bloom from May to autumn frost and self- sow generously. 30\" x 15\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 Remembrance columbine ® Aquilegia ‘Swan Violet & White’ Hybrid of Colorado state flower with rich, shining violet- blue petals and spurs. Name honors the Columbine High School shooting victims. 24\" x 18\" | Loam | Zones 3-9 19
Sea Foam sage Artemisia versicolor ‘Sea Foam’ PERENNIALS Vigorous, attractive groundcover with lacy, mounding foliage of silvery blue. Good winter presence. Clump forming and non-invasive. 10\" x 20\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Chocoloate flower Berlandiera lyrata Long-blooming SW native wildflower with dark-eyed, yellow daisies over rosette of foliage. Flowers exude chocolate aroma in the morning. Self-seeds. 12\" x 14\" | Poor dry soils | Zones 4-9 Mongolian Bells clematis ® Clematis integrifolia ‘PSHarlan’ Mounding (non-vining) perennial from Mongolia introduced by Bluebird Nursery. Grown from seed - pink, white, lavender and blue flowers; fluffy seed heads. 12\" x 15\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 20
PERENNIALS Curly leaf sea kale Crambe maritima Large clumps of wavy, waxy blue foliage all summer long. Clusters of white flowers in early summer. Adaptive and long-lived; edible. 24\" x 30\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 First Love dianthus ® Dianthus Clump-forming dianthus with flowers changing from white to rose, blooming April to frost. Intensely fragrant and nearly evergreen. 15\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 3b-9 Coral Canyon twinspur ® Diascia integerrima ‘P009S’ Soft pink, oval flowers from late spring to autumn frost. Heat- and cold- tolerant introduction from South Africa. Adaptive. 15\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-8 21
Sunset foxglove ® Digitalis obscura PERENNIALS Dwarf selection with evergreen, willow-like foliage that is set off by burnt sienna-colored trumpet-shaped flowers. 15\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-9 Spanish Peaks foxglove ® Digitalis thapsi Raspberry rose-colored flowers in early summer over a mat of furry leaves. Truly perennial and adaptive to wide range of sites. 12\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-9 Tennessee purple coneflower Echinacea tennesseensis American wildflower with amazing adaptability to western gardens. Purple-pink flowers in mid-summer, always facing east so be sure to site properly. 24\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-7 22
PERENNIALS Red feathers Echium anoenum Russet-red flowers in spring, re-blooming again if deadheaded basal; basal tuft of dark green, linear leaves. Adaptable; may self-seed. 14\" x 8\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Engelmann’s daisy Engelmannia peristenia A tough, adaptable perennial wildflower forming rosettes of ruffled gray foliage with bright yellow daisies all summer. Easy to grow and adaptable to many garden conditions. 28\" x 14\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-10 Alpine willowherb Epilobium fleischeri Delicate, pink flowers on reddish stems, gray-green foliage and silvery seed heads. Good for colder climates. 18\" x 10\" | Loam or sandy loam | Zones 3-8 23
Snow Mesa buckwheat Eriogonum wrightii var. wrightii PERENNIALS Billowy domes of white flowers gradually turn a ruddy fawn color in late summer and fall. Long-lived, SW native wildflower. 18\" x 24\" | Sandy, well-drained soil | Zones 4-9 Golden storksbill Erodium chrysanthum Silvery mounds of evergreen, ferny foliage; soft yellow, flowers early spring until late summer. Long lived, easy, and adaptable. 8\" x 18\" | Gravelly or loam soil | Zones 4-9 Colorado Gold gazania ® Gazania linearis ‘P004S’ Glossy mounds of deep green, narrow leaves with shiny yellow flowers all season. Cold hardy, adaptable. Reseeds moderately. 3\" x 10\" | Loam | Zones 4-8 24
PERENNIALS Red yucca Hesperaloe parviflora Tall spikes of rose-pink, yellow-throated tubular blossoms summer -autumn. Easy care Texas native has arching, evergreen grass-like leaves. 4\" x 3\" | Loam or sandy loam | Zones 5-10 Snow Angel coral bells Heuchera sanguinea ‘Snow Angel’ Low mounds of marbled leaves brighten shady gardens. Spikes of pinkish-red bells late spring to summer. Excellent for dry shade. 8\" x 10\" | Gravelly or loam soil | Zones 3-9 Regal torchlily Kniphofia caulescens Large, blue-green rosettes of strappy leaves with crimson, golden, and ivory torch-like flowers in late summer. 40\" x 30\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-9 25
Narbonne blue flax Linum narbonense PERENNIALS Sky blue flowers for many months. Robust plant; dense mound of nearly evergreen foliage. Longer-lived and fuller than the western native species. 18\" x 18\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Hummingbird trumpet mint Monardella macrantha ‘Marian Sampson’ Low-mounding native California mountains plant with exotic-looking brilliant, scarlet-orange trumpets late spring/summer. Provide protection from hottest summer sun; may need winter protection in some areas. 4\" x 10\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Little Trudy catmint ® Nepeta ‘Psfike’ PP18,904 Compact hybrid catmint selected at Little Valley Wholesale Nursery for serrated, silvery foliage and long season of lavender blooms. Non-seeding. 8\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 26
PERENNIALS Silver Blade evening primrose ® Oenothera macrocarpa ssp incana Silver leaves May-frost complement large, clear yellow flowers. Introduced by James Locklear, first promoted by Bluebird Nursery. 4\" x 14\" | Loam | Zones 4a-9 Hopflower oregano Origanum libanoticum Vigorous, cascading herb with hop-like bracts of lavender and chartreuse through summer. Best in raised bed, rock garden or container. 10\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Avalanche white sun daisy Osteospermum ‘Avalanche’ PP22,705 Long-blooming, dazzling white flowers spring through summer over mats of lustrous, nearly succulent, evergreen foliage. Vigorous, adaptable. 10\" x 15\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 27
Purple Mountain sun daisy ® Osteospermum barberiae var. compactum ‘P005S’ PERENNIALS Bright purple daisies cover trim mats of rich green leaves late spring to midsummer. With deadheading, blooms sparingly until frost. 10\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-9 Lavender Mist sun daisy ® Osteospermum ‘P006S’ White daisy-like flowers turn soft lavender with age from April to autumn. Mats of nearly succulent leaves are evergreen. 12\" x 15\" | Loam | Zones 4b-8 Prairie Jewel penstemon ® Penstemon grandiflorus ‘P010S’ Large flowers range white, rose to deep violet. Evergreen silvery rosettes of foliage. Short-lived on wet soils but long-lived in well-drained sites. 24\" x 8\" | Dry clay, loam or sandy loam | Zones 3-9 28
PERENNIALS Silverton bluemat penstemon ® Penstemon linarioides var. coloradoensis ‘P014S’ Spreading mounds of silvery, evergreen leaves provide attractive presence year round. Lavender-blue flowers are an added attraction. 10\" x 12\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-10 Grand Mesa beardtongue Penstemon mensarum Cobalt blue spikes in early spring; dense mat of evergreen rosettes turns orange-red in winter. Western Colorado native. 30\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Bridges’ penstemon Penstemon rostriflorus Dark evergreen foliage with scarlet trumpet flowers through the hot summer months. Long lived, durable and adaptable. SW native wildflower. 30\" x 24\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 29
Coral baby penstemon Penstemon x ‘Coral Baby’ PERENNIALS Upright spikes of coral-pink flowers from May to July. Excellent pollinator plant for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Selected by Kelly Grummons. 18\" x 12\" | Sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Pikes Peak Purple penstemon ® Penstemon x mexicali ‘P007S’ Durable hybrid from Bruce Meyers’ crosses of wild species. Mounding with narrow, dark green leaves. Violet-purple flowers. Long-blooming, adaptable. 15\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-8 Red Rocks penstemon ® Penstemon x mexicali ‘P008S’ Durable hybrid from Bruce Meyers’ crosses of wild species. Mounding with narrow, dark green leaves. Bright rose flowers. Long-blooming, adaptable. 15\" x 12\" | Loam | Zones 4b-8 30
PERENNIALS Carolyn’s Hope pink penstemon PPAF Penstemon x mexicali ‘Carolyn’s Hope’ Pink flowers & dark pink buds and narrow, glossy green leaves nearly all summer. Developed by Brian Core, a portion of proceeds from all sales benefit breast cancer research. 15\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Shadow Mountain penstemon ® Penstemon x mexicali ‘Psmeyers’ Lavender-blue cousin to Red Rocks®; blooms from late spring through the summer. Very adaptable. 18\" x 15\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Windwalker garnet penstemon ® Penstemon x mexicali ‘PWIN02S’ Ruby-red or garnet-colored flowers with striped throats and narrow, glossy green leaves nearly all summer long. Developed by Kelly Grummons. 15\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 31
Desert beardtongue Penstemon pseudospectabilis PERENNIALS Deep blue green, toothed foliage is topped with purple- magenta trumpets nearly all summer.. This long-lived perennial thrives in water-thrifty gardens. Excellent pollinator plant. 30\" x 15\" | Clay or sandy soil | Zones 5-9 Cashmere sage Phlomis cashmeriana Large, textured foliage and whorls of showy lavender- pink flowers. Architectural form and seedheads are highly ornamental in fall and winter. 48\" x 24\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Silver sage Salvia argentea Superlative foliage plant with large, silvery basal leaves. White flowers on candelabra-like stems early summer. Dramatic accent plant; very hardy. 30\" x 18\" | Loam | Zones 4a-10 32
PERENNIALS Platinum sage ® Salvia daghestanica Silvery-white mats of foliage with spires of dark blue flowers. Very hardy perennial for edging, rock gardens or as slow spreading groundcover. 10\" x 15\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-10 Vermilion Bluffs mexican sage ® Salvia darcyi ‘Pscarl’ Cardinal-red spires summer through fall attract hummingbirds. Hardy under protected conditions. 36\" x 30\" | Loam | Zones 5b-10 Windwalker royal red salvia ® Salvia darcyi x S. microphylla ‘PWIN03S’ A robust grower with graceful stems and deep-red flowers late June – October from Kelly Grummons. Excellent hummingbird plant.Cut back in early summer to reduce height if desired. 48\" x 48\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-9 33
Wild Thing sage Salvia greggii PERENNIALS Aromatic mounds of dark, semi-evergreen foliage covered with flushes of hot pink flowers during summer; selected by Tom Peace. Cut back in spring. 20\" x 24\" | Clay or sandy soil | Zones 5b-10 Furman’s Red sage Salvia greggii ‘Furman’s Red’ Hardy selection of SW ever-blooming sage. Crimson- scarlet flowers in flushes through summer and autumn. Cut back in late spring. 24\" x 24\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5b-10 Mojave sage Salvia pachyphylla Intensely aromatic, evergreen foliage has great substance. Silver-green leaves set off persistent mauve bracts that surround the flowers. Western native. 24\" x 30\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-10 34
PERENNIALS Purple winter savory Satureja montana v. illyrica Purple-blue flowered, prostrate form of the popular garden herb. Trim evergreen mounds covered with showy flowers late in the season. 6\" x 15\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3b-8 Red birds in a tree Scrophularia macrantha Crimson tubular flowers in sprays above rich green serrated foliage. This SW wildflower was introduced by High Country Gardens. Adaptable and hardy. 36\" x 18\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Smoky Hills skullcap Scutellaria resinosa ‘Smoky Hills’ Mounds of greenish-grey leaves covered with bright purple-blue flowers during early summer. Shortgrass prairie native, it thrives in hot, sunny locations with well- drained soil. 10\" x 12\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 35
Moon carrot Seseli gummiferum PERENNIALS Basal rosette of silvery-blue, lacy foliage first year. Large umbels of pale pink flowers fading to white in second year. Biennial/short-lived perennial. 30\" x 12\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-9 Dalmatian daisy Tanacetum cinerariifolium Mounds of decorative silvery, ferny foliage are covered with white daisies in early summer. Aromatic, pest-free. Perfect white daisy for drier situations. 20\" x 24\" | Sandy loam | Zones 4-10 Corsican violet Viola corsica Long-blooming, wild violet from Mediterranean with large, bright purple flowers. Heat and drought tolerant; perennial, Reseeds moderately. 6\" x 8\" | Gravelly, clay, or loam soil | Zones 3-8 36
PERENNIALS Orange Carpet hummingbird trumpet ® Zauschneria garrettii ‘PWWG01S’ Fast-spreading with masses of orange-scarlet flowers summer-fall. Selection from Idaho-collected seed. Best form for high altitude or cool climates. 6\" x 20\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5b-9 37
Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean VINES Dolichos lablab ‘Ruby Moon’ Vigorous annual vine with burgundy foliage, amethyst flowers and showy dark violet bean pods in late summer. Excellent for colder climates. Edible. 6΄ x 3΄ | Loam | Annual Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle ® Lonicera reticulata ‘P015S’ Vigorous vine with long-lasting, circular bracts and tubular yellow flowers. Propagated by William Kintzley at Iowa State University, 1880s. 10΄ x 4΄ | Loam | Zones 4-8 St. Theresa Seedless grape Vitus s. ‘St Theresa Seedless’ Hardy, mostly seedless, purple slip-skin grape with excellent flavor is early season table grape variety from Elmer Swenson. Tolerates alkaline soils. 18΄ x 4΄ | Loam | Zones 4-9 38
GRASSES Windwalker big bluestem ® Andropogon gerardii ‘PWIN01S’ Columnar form selected by Sunscapes Nursery for its powdery blue foliage that turns plum/purple in September when burgundy plumes wave high in the air. 6΄ x 2΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 Blonde Ambition blue grama grass Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ PP22,048 Highly ornamental form of Western native. Showy seed heads hold straight shape high above foliage through winter. Developed by High Country Gardens. 30\" x 30\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Korean feather reed grass Calamagrostis brachytricha Elegant clump-former with feathery summer flowers and attractive fall and winter presence. Adaptable and easy to grow. 36\" x 15\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 39
Pink Crystals Ruby Grass ® Melinis nerviglumis GRASSES Bright ruby and silver flowers attractive all season. Fast- growing. Use in containers or garden beds. 24\" x 15\" | Loam | Annual Undaunted ruby muhly ® Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’ Selection of long-lived grass from Lauren & Scott Ogden. Fine-textured gray-green mounds are topped by clouds of tiny ruby flowers in autumn. Persistent winter beauty, superb in mass plantings. 18\" x 24\" | Clay or sandy soil | Zones 5-10 Giant sacaton Sporobolus wrightii Extravagant fountains of luxuriant foliage create a focal point in the xeriscape garden. A wonderful Southwestern native alternative to pampas grass. 6΄ x 4΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 5-8 40
SHRUBS Chieftain manzanita Arctostaphylos x coloradoensis ‘Chieftain’ Vigorous selection of western native manzanita with evergreen oval leaves, pinkish-white flowers in spring and reddish bark. Well-drained sites only. 2΄ x 6΄ | Sandy or well-drained loam | Zones 5-8 Mock Bearberry manzanita Arctostaphylos x coloradoensis Low, groundcover selection of evergreen western manzanita with waxy, pinkish-white, urn-shaped flowers. Well-drained sites only. 12΄ x 48\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 Panchito manzanita Arctostaphylos x coloradoensis Medium-sized selection of evergreen western manzanita with waxy, urn-shaped, pinkish-white flowers. Well-drained sites only. 12\" x 30\" | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 41
Silver Fountain butterfly bush SHRUBS Buddleia alternifolia ‘Argentea’ Lavender to violet flowers in mid-spring with blue-gray, finely textured foliage. Blends well in a naturalistic design or as specimen. 12΄ x 12΄ | Loam | Zones 4-8 Littleleaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus Western dryland native evergreen shrub. Small-scale plant for hedge or as a specimen in xeriscape. Responds to light pruning. 4΄ x 3΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Fernbush Chamaebatiaria millefolium Aromatic lacy foliage adorned with showy white flowers midsummer; attractive winter interest. Tough, adaptive Western native. 4΄ x 4΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-8 42
SHRUBS Baby Blue rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. nauseosus Compact, dome-like strain of native rabbitbrush with silvery-blue foliage and bright golden flowers in late summer and fall. 18\" x 24\" | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Spanish Gold broom ® Cytisus purgans Dense mound of bright, ever-green stems with golden, pea blossoms in spring. Subalpine shrub from the mountains of Spain; adaptive. 4΄ x 6΄ | Gravelly, clay, or loam soil | Zones 4a-9 Carol Mackie daphne Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ Compact shrub with fragrant, pale pink flowers in spring; creamy-edged, nearly evergreen leaves. Adaptable and quick growing. 4΄ x 4΄ | Loam | Zones 4a-9 43
Bluestem joint fir SHRUBS Ephedra equisetina Finely textured blue-green stems are attractive year round. Extremely heat and drought tolerant. Spreads by underground runners. 4΄ x 6΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4b-9 Apache plume Fallugia paradoxa Southwestern native shrub with pale pink to white blossoms spring to fall and feathery, pink seed heads. 6΄ x 6΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 Waxflower Jamesia americana Fragrant clusters of waxy, white flowers late spring; flaking, reddish-brown bark. Green foliage turns orange and pink in autumn. Western native. 4΄ x 4’ | Gravelly or loam soil | Zones 3-8 44
SHRUBS Blue Velvet honeysuckle ® Lonicera korolkowii ‘Floribunda’ Blue-gray round leaves, spring pink flowers and red berries summer and fall. Resistant to aphid damage. Selected at Cheyenne Experiment Station. 12΄ x 8΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 Cheyenne mock orange ® Philadelphus lewisii ’PWY01S’ Fragrant white blooms on shapely, tidy shrub. Adaptable North American native, this form was selected at the Cheyenne Experiment Station. Easy care. 7΄ x 6΄ | Dry clay or sandy loam | Zones 3-9 Pawnee Buttes sand cherry ® Prunus besseyi ‘P011S’ Graceful, ground-covering form of western native sand cherry. Green leaves turn coppery in fall. White flowers in April produce black cherries in summer. 15\" x 4΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 45
Autumn Amber sumac SHRUBS Rhus trilobata ‘Autumn Amber’ Ideal ground cover shrub for terraced walls, large open areas and dry shrub areas. Summer leaves glossy, bright green; fall color is amber to reddish. 12\" x 6΄ | Loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 Comanche gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa ‘Red Jacket’ Bright green leaves; clusters of sweet, huge, red berries in midsummer. Mounding plant with long thorns; good as a hedge. Powdery mildew resistant. 2.5\" x 5΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 Redleaf rose Rosa glauca, R. rubrifolia Single rose blossoms range from pastel pink to white. Showy red hips persist, and dark purple foliage provides a welcome addition to xeriscapes. 8΄ x 6΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-9 46
SHRUBS Ruby Voodoo rose Rosa ’Ruby Voodoo’ Intensely fragrant, late spring purple-pink double blossoms repeat moderately through summer.Attractive habit and vigor. John Starnes hybrid. Prune annually. 6΄ x 4΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-10 Siberian spirea Sibiraea laevigata Dramatic shrub from Siberia. Gray-green leaves, showy white flowers in summer. Selection from Cheyenne Experiment Station. Easy care, adaptable. 4΄ x 6΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-8 Alleghany viburnum viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’ Graceful, ground-covering form of western native sand cherry. Green leaves turn coppery in fall. White flowers in April produce black cherries in summer. 15\" x 4΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 3-8 47
Hot Wings Tatarian maple TREES ® Acer tataricum ’GarAnn’ PP15,023 Brilliant red samaras look like flaming flowers all summer long. Attractive sturdy tree with showy fall color. Ideal for home landscapes. 18΄ x 15΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-10 Russian hawthorn Crataegus ambigua Hardy small tree with attractive bark, ferny foliage and white flowers followed by red fruit in fall. Selected at Cheyenne Experiment Station. 16΄ x 12΄ | Clay, loam or sandy soil | Zones 4-9 Seven-son flower Heptacodium miconioides Masses of fragrant white flowers in late summer and cherry-red sepals in fall; attractive, peeling bark. Fast growing; adaptable. 18΄ x 12΄ | Loam or sandy loam | Zones 4-9 48
CONIFERS Woodward columnar juniper Juniperus scopulorum ‘Woodward’ Easy-care Rocky Mountain native evergreen with soft- textured, dark green foliage which turns grey-blue in winter. Stands up to the windiest conditions and easily sheds snow loads. 20΄ x 4΄ Clay, loam or sandy soil Zones 3-9 Weeping white spruce Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ Very hardy form of boreal spruce that also thrives in summer heat. Graceful foliage and weeping form add drama and texture. 20΄ x 6΄ Loam or sandy soil Zones 3-8 49
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