Drought-Tolerant Landscaping for Colorado

Colorado averages only 15-17 inches of rainfall per year, making water conservation essential for homeowners. Drought-tolerant landscaping isn't just about saving water - it's about creating a sustainable outdoor space that's beautiful year-round with minimal maintenance.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach designed for water conservation. The term comes from the Greek word "xeros" meaning dry. A properly designed xeriscape can reduce outdoor water use by 50-75% compared to traditional landscaping.

Many Douglas County communities, including Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch, encourage xeriscaping and offer resources for homeowners looking to reduce water use.

Seven Principles of Xeriscaping

1. Planning and Design

Start with a thoughtful plan that considers:

• Sun and shade patterns throughout the day
• Existing trees and structures
• Slope and drainage
• How you use your outdoor space
• Views you want to highlight or screen

2. Soil Improvement

Douglas County soils are often clay-heavy, which doesn't absorb water well. Improve your soil by:

• Adding organic matter (compost) to improve drainage
• Creating raised beds in areas with poor soil
• Using mulch to build soil health over time

3. Practical Turf Areas

Limit lawn areas to spaces where you'll actually use them - play areas, gathering spaces, etc. Consider replacing ornamental lawn with:

• Native groundcovers
• Gravel or decomposed granite
• Hardscaping features
• Native grasses that require less water

4. Appropriate Plant Selection

Choose plants adapted to Colorado's climate. Look for:

• Colorado natives or plants from similar climates
• Plants labeled "low water" or "drought tolerant"
• Plants with silver, gray, or fuzzy leaves (often drought-adapted)

5. Efficient Irrigation

When you do water, do it efficiently:

• Use drip irrigation for beds and shrubs
• Install smart controllers that adjust to weather
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots
• Water early morning to reduce evaporation

6. Mulching

Mulch is essential in xeric landscapes:

• Reduces evaporation by up to 70%
• Moderates soil temperature
• Suppresses weeds
• Improves soil as it breaks down

Apply 3-4 inches of organic mulch or 2-3 inches of gravel/rock mulch.

7. Appropriate Maintenance

Xeriscapes aren't maintenance-free, but they require different care:

• Less frequent but deeper watering
• Seasonal pruning and cleanup
• Mulch replenishment
• Occasional weeding (less than traditional landscapes)

Drought-Tolerant Plants for Douglas County

Native Perennials

• Penstemon - Tubular flowers in many colors
• Blue Flax - Delicate blue flowers, very hardy
• Black-eyed Susan - Cheerful yellow blooms
• Prairie Coneflower - Native prairie beauty
• Yarrow - Flat-topped flower clusters
• Salvia - Spiky blooms, attracts pollinators

Shrubs

• Apache Plume - Feathery seed heads, white flowers
• Rabbitbrush - Yellow fall blooms
• Mountain Mahogany - Evergreen, drought-tough
• Fernbush - Aromatic, white flowers
• Blue Mist Spirea - Late summer blue blooms

Ornamental Grasses

• Blue Grama - Colorado state grass
• Blue Avena - Steel blue foliage
• Karl Foerster Grass - Upright, feathery plumes
• Little Bluestem - Red fall color

Groundcovers

• Sedum - Succulent, many varieties
• Turkish Veronica - Tiny blue flowers
• Creeping Thyme - Fragrant, walkable
• Snow-in-Summer - Silver foliage, white blooms

Converting to a Xeriscape

You don't have to convert your entire yard at once. Consider:

• Phase 1: Replace struggling lawn areas with native plants
• Phase 2: Add efficient irrigation to new beds
• Phase 3: Reduce remaining lawn area gradually

Water Savings and Rebates

Many Douglas County water providers offer rebates for xeriscaping:

• Castle Rock Water offers turf replacement rebates
• Parker Water & Sanitation has xeriscape incentives
• Centennial Water & Sanitation District (Highlands Ranch) provides resources

Contact your local water provider for current rebate programs.