Xeriscape Gardening

Drought-resistant gardening can create attractive environments that save water and thrive in Colorado's bright sunshine.

Xeriscaping focuses on water conservation through creative landscaping. It is possible to create a habitat for butterflies with plants that withstand drought.

The Garden Centers of Colorado's system identifies xeric plants with the following rating system:

X - Thrives in slightly dry conditions
XX - Thrives in dry conditions
XXX - Thrives in very dry conditions

Look for the following Xeric plants to attract butterflies:

Yarrow (Achillea spp.) XX
Sunset Hyssop (Agastache rupestris) XX
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) XX
Sea Pink (Armeria maritima) XX
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) XXX
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) XX
Bluebeard (Caryopteris clandonensis) XXX
Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) XXX
Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) XX Globethistle (Echinops exaltatus) XXX
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) XXX
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) XX
Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.) XXX
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifoila) XXX Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) XX

XERISCAPE
NOT ZEROSCAPE

Xeriscape gardening can create striking and colorful landscapes. Contact our experienced horticulturalists at 720.974.1874 for details.

Additional Resources available at xeriscapecolorado.org.