Colorado Xeriscaping Guide
Drought-tolerant landscaping plans for 16 Colorado cities across USDA zones 6a, 6b. Find native plants, water-saving strategies, and xeriscape designs for your specific location.
Water Restriction Level: high
Colorado cities restrict lawn watering during drought. Denver Water and Aurora Water offer significant xeriscaping rebate programs.
Rebate programs available in Colorado.
USDA Zones in Colorado
Xeriscaping Principles for Colorado
1. Plan and Design
Start with a water-efficient landscape plan that groups plants by water needs. Place high-water plants (if any) closest to the house and low-water plants further away.
2. Improve Soil
Amend soil with compost to improve water retention in sandy soils and drainage in clay soils. Healthy soil holds more moisture and supports deeper root systems.
3. Reduce Turf Area
Limit conventional lawn to areas that serve a functional purpose (play areas, pathways). Replace decorative turf with native plants, ground covers, or mulch.
4. Choose Low-Water Plants
Select native and adapted plants suited to your USDA zone. Native plants have evolved with local rainfall patterns and typically need no supplemental irrigation once established.
5. Mulch Generously
Apply 5–10cm of organic mulch (or gravel in desert climates) around all plantings. Mulch reduces evaporation by up to 70%, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
6. Irrigate Efficiently
If irrigation is needed, use drip systems or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water before 9am to reduce evaporation.
7. Maintain Appropriately
Proper maintenance reduces water waste. Keep mulch refreshed, prune to reduce water demand, and adjust irrigation seasonally. A well-maintained xeriscape improves over time.
Colorado Cities — Xeriscaping Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xeriscaping worth it in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado has high-level water restrictions. Xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use by 50–75%, which translates to significant savings on water bills. Many Colorado municipalities also offer rebate programs for turf-to-xeriscape conversions, making the upfront cost more manageable.
What USDA zones are in Colorado?
Colorado contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b. Each zone has different drought-tolerant plant recommendations. Find your city below for zone-specific xeriscape plant lists.
Does Colorado offer xeriscaping rebates?
Yes. Colorado cities restrict lawn watering during drought. Denver Water and Aurora Water offer significant xeriscaping rebate programs.
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for Colorado?
The best plants depend on your specific USDA zone within Colorado. Generally, native plants adapted to Colorado's climate are the best choices — they've evolved with local rainfall patterns and soil conditions. Browse your city guide below for zone-specific recommendations.
How much does xeriscaping cost in Colorado?
Professional xeriscaping in Colorado typically costs $5–$20 per square foot depending on design complexity, plant selection, and hardscape elements. DIY approaches can reduce costs to $1–$5 per square foot. Rebate programs can offset 20–50% of the initial investment.