Best Plants for Spring in Colorado

Spring in Colorado is a great time to plant hardy and drought-tolerant species that thrive in the state's unique climate. Here are some of the best plants for spring in Colorado:

• Perennials: Blue columbine (Colorado's state flower), penstemon, and salvia 'May Night' are beautiful and resilient choices.

• Shrubs: Rabbitbrush and serviceberry are native shrubs that add texture and color to your garden.

• Ground Covers: Sedums and creeping thyme are low-maintenance and perfect for filling in spaces.

• Vegetables: Cool season crops like lettuce, kale, and radishes can be planted early in the season.

• Flowers: Basket-of-gold alyssum and coral bells bring vibrant colors to your garden.

Cushion spurge and creeping phlox (white and pink)

Care

Perennials (e.g., blue columbine, penstemon, salvia 'May Night'):

• Planting: Choose well-draining soil and a spot with adequate sunlight. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball but not deeper than its height.

• Care: Water moderately; once established, they require minimal watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Shrubs (e.g., rabbitbrush, serviceberry):

• Planting: Plant in early spring before the buds break. Space shrubs according to their mature size and provide full sun or partial shade.

• Care: Water deeply but infrequently to establish a strong root system. Prune in late winter or early spring for shape and health. Rabbitbrush thrives with minimal care, while serviceberry may need periodic fertilization.

Ground Covers (e.g., sedums, creeping thyme):

• Planting: Space plants closely for quick coverage in well-draining soil. These do well in rocky or sandy areas.

• Care: Require minimal watering once established. Trim occasionally to prevent overgrowth. They're hardy and low-maintenance, perfect for tough spots.

Vegetables (e.g., lettuce, kale, radishes):

• Planting: Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil is workable. Lettuce and kale prefer cooler temperatures.

• Care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings as they grow for better air circulation. Harvest radishes when they're about 1 inch in diameter.

Flowers (e.g., basket-of-gold alyssum, coral bells):

• Planting: Place in areas with well-draining soil and partial to full sun. Coral bells prefer some shade in hotter climates.

• Care: Water consistently but avoid oversaturation. Remove dead foliage and fertilize lightly in spring for a burst of blooms.