top of page
Writer's pictureMegan Banich

Discover Native Blooms: 10 Native Flowers to Brighten Your Colorado Garden

Updated: Oct 16

Embracing Nature's Palette: 10 Colorado Native Flowers for Your GardenAre you a nature lover who feels a special connection to the vibrant beauty of local flowers? If you're nodding along, you're in for a treat! Join us on a virtual stroll through the picturesque Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, where we'll introduce you to ten stunning Colorado native flowers that can grace your own garden with their natural charm. From dazzling bursts of color to delicate petals swaying in the breeze, these Colorado native flowers are a testament to the unique allure of Colorado's floral landscape.


1. Colorado Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)

The Colorado Columbine, Colorado's state flower, is a must-have for any Colorado native flower garden.

  • Height: 12-36 inches

  • Size: 12-24 inches spread

  • Water requirements: Medium

  • Sun requirements: Part shade

  • Maximum elevation: 11,000 feet

This Colorado native flower is delicate and enchanting, with iconic blue and white hues embodying the spirit of the Rocky Mountains.


2. Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed is an epitome of resilience among Colorado native flowers.

  • Height: 2-6 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Medium

  • Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

  • Maximum elevation: 11,500 feet

This Colorado native flower blooms with vibrant pinkish-purple flowers that blanket the landscape with their striking beauty, symbolizing hope and healing.


3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

The Blanket Flower is a low-maintenance Colorado native flower that adds warmth to any garden.

  • Height: 1-3 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 10,000 feet

Celebrated for its fiery hues of red and yellow, this Colorado native flower is perfect for adding cheer to your garden space.


4. Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)

The Purple Poppy Mallow is a delightful addition to pollinator gardens featuring Colorado native flowers.

  • Height: 6-12 inches

  • Size: 2-3 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low to medium

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 7,000 feet

With its lovely lavender petals, this Colorado native flower is known for attracting butterflies.


5. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax offers a serene presence among Colorado native flowers.

  • Height: 1-2 feet

  • Size: 1-1.5 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 10,000 feet

The dainty blossoms of this Colorado native flower unfurl in a mesmerizing sky-blue shade, offering a calming presence to your garden sanctuary.


6. Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)

The Prairie Coneflower brightens up gardens with its sunny disposition.

  • Height: 1-3 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 8,000 feet

This Colorado native flower radiates golden rays, beckoning bees and birds with its nectar-filled blooms.


7. Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)

Scarlet Gilia captures attention with its vibrant red blooms.

  • Height: 1-4 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 11,000 feet

This Colorado native flower boasts tube-shaped flowers that dance gracefully in the summer breeze.


8. Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Lupines are striking Colorado native flowers with distinctive spikes of blossoms.

  • Height: 1-3 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low to medium

  • Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

  • Maximum elevation: 11,000 feet

These Colorado native flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators with their colorful, pea-like blossoms.


9. Sticky Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum)

Sticky Geranium is a versatile choice among Colorado native flowers.

  • Height: 1-3 feet

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low to medium

  • Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

  • Maximum elevation: 10,000 feet

This Colorado native flower flaunts delicate pink-purple flowers that thrive in various growing conditions.


10. Yellow Evening Primrose (Oenothera flava)

Yellow Evening Primrose adds nocturnal charm to gardens of Colorado native flowers.

  • Height: 6-12 inches

  • Size: 1-2 feet spread

  • Water requirements: Low

  • Sun requirements: Full sun

  • Maximum elevation: 9,000 feet

As dusk falls, this Colorado native flower unfurls its bright yellow petals, releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators.By incorporating these Colorado native flowers into your garden, you can create a vibrant tapestry of colors inspired by the breathtaking blooms of Colorado's natural landscapes. These Colorado native flowers not only add visual appeal but also support local ecosystems and wildlife, making your garden a true oasis of Colorado's natrual beauty.



Native Lupine at Chitaqua Park
Native Lupine at Chitaqua Park

Cultivate Your Garden Oasis with Colorado Native Flowers

Inspired by the natural splendor of Chautauqua Park, you can bring a touch of Colorado's wilderness into your own backyard by planting these native flowers. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or an admirer of natural beauty, incorporating these blooms into your outdoor space not only adds visual appeal but also supports local ecosystems and wildlife.


Conclusion

By embracing the beauty of these ten Colorado native flowers in your garden, you’ll create a vibrant tapestry that reflects the stunning landscapes of Chautauqua Park and beyond. Not only will you enjoy their captivating colors and fragrances throughout the seasons, but you'll also contribute positively to the local environment by supporting pollinators and wildlife habitats.So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to transform your garden into an oasis filled with the unique charm of Colorado’s native flora! Let your garden be a testament to the biodiversity that thrives in our beautiful state as you watch these captivating blooms paint a picture of natural elegance right outside your window. Start your floral journey today and sow the seeds of a more colorful tomorrow right in your own backyard! Happy gardening, fellow nature enthusiasts!

27 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page