Denver Native Plant, Pollinator & Low-Water Garden Installation

Denver homeowners are replacing thirsty lawns with native plants, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes that are better suited to Colorado’s dry climate. Native and water-wise plants can reduce watering needs, support bees and butterflies, and create year-round curb appeal.

Colorado State University notes that native plants are popular for low-water landscapes and provide habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife. Denver Water also promotes water-wise Garden In A Box kits that provide habitat while reducing outdoor water demand.

Denver Native Garden Plant Ideas

Blue Grama Grass

Best for: Native grass borders, lawn alternatives, dry sunny areas
Water needs: Very low once established
Little Bluestem Grass

Best for: Ornamental grass texture and fall color
Water needs: Low
Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Best for: Purple-blue spring flowers
Water needs: Low
Prairie Coneflower

Best for: Native wildflower beds
Water needs: Low
Rabbitbrush

Best for: Yellow fall color and pollinator support
Water needs: Very low
Blanket Flower

Best for: Bright summer color
Water needs: Low
Serviceberry

Best for: Native shrub, spring flowers, wildlife value
Water needs: Low to moderate

Denver Pollinator Garden Plant Ideas

Purple Coneflower

Attracts: Bees and butterflies
Water needs: Low to moderate
Bee Balm

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Water needs: Moderate
Milkweed

Attracts: Monarch butterflies
Water needs: Low to moderate
Goldenrod

Attracts: Late-season bees and beneficial insects
Water needs: Low
Aster

Attracts: Late-season pollinators
Water needs: Low to moderate
Salvia

Attracts: Bees and hummingbirds
Water needs: Low
Yarrow

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Water needs: Very low

Denver Low-Maintenance No-Watering Garden Plant Ideas

Russian Sage

Best for: Hot, dry sunny areas
Water needs: Very low once established
Lavender

Best for: Fragrance, pollinators, dry beds
Water needs: Low
Ice Plant

Best for: Groundcover and rock gardens
Water needs: Very low
Sedum

Best for: Rock gardens, dry edges, low-maintenance beds
Water needs: Very low
Yucca

Best for: Architectural desert-style planting
Water needs: Very low
Catmint

Best for: Soft purple flowers and pollinators
Water needs: Low
Red Yucca

Best for: Low-water curb appeal
Water needs: Very low