Native Plants That Enhance Beauty with Less Maintenance
When designing your landscape, it’s important to keep in mind that sometimes less is more- especially when it comes to maintenance. If you’re frustrated with high water bills, constant pruning, or battling plants that can’t handle the climate, native plants may be the best option.
F&B Landscaping believes in designing outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable. We choose plants that are naturally suited to our environment so that it’s easier to maintain your yard and enjoy seasonal beauty year after year.
In this article, we’ll explain why native plants are the best option and explain some of the best low-maintenance options for your Colorado Springs landscape.
Why Choose Native Plants?
There are several reasons why native plants are best for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape:
Adapted to the local climate
Over time, native plants have evolved to thrive in the unique conditions of the region including high altitude, cold winters, hot summers, and variable precipitation. Therefore, they are much more resilient and less reliant on irrigation, fertilizers, and pest control.
Better for wildlife and pollinators
Native plants support the local ecosystem by providing food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These plants don’t just enhance the beauty of your yard- they support biodiversity and pollinator health.
Require less work
Since they are naturally suited to the local conditions, native plants require less watering, pruning, and pest management than other species. Therefore, you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space and less time maintaining it.
Top Native Plants for a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Yard
F&B Landscaping enjoys incorporating native plants into practical, eye-catching landscapes. Some of our favorites include:
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
The Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a go-to for Colorado landscapes due to its purple-blue flowers and drought-tolerant nature. This plant blooms in early summer and attracts hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with minimal attention.
Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)
Blue Grama Grass is Colorado’s state grass. It is hardy and adds a soft, natural look to your yard. The eyelash-shaped seed heads are what give this grass its distinct charm. It can be used as an accent, border, or an alternative to traditional turf grass.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Blanket Flower is a daisy-like flower featuring red and yellow petals. This flower blooms from late spring through fall. It is highly tolerant of poor soil conditions and- once established- requires very little water, which makes it ideal for low-maintenance flower beds.
Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)
Rabbitbrush is a woody shrub that features golden-yellow blooms that appear in late summer through the fall. This plant is ideal for filling in larger spaces and pairs well with native grasses. It thrives in dry conditions and draws in bees and butterflies.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
If you’re looking for a native shrub that adds multi-season beauty, serviceberry is a great choice. This plant offers blossoms in the spring, berries in the summer, and vibrant color in the fall. It fares well in both full sun and partial shade- and the birds love it.
Tips to Create a Native Plant Landscape
Choosing the right plants is just a small part of the process. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your native landscape thrives with minimal upkeep:
Match plants to site conditions
While native plants are suited to local conditions, they do have preferences. Some prefer full sun, while others prefer more shade. Make sure that you pay attention to the soil type, moisture level, and sun exposure before planting.
Group plants based on watering needs
In order to maximize efficiency, you’ll want to group plants with similar watering requirements together. This is known as hydrozoning and will help reduce waste and keep plants healthier.
Go easy on fertilizer
Most of the time, native plants don’t require fertilizer, especially if they are planted in well-prepared soil. If you over-fertilize, you can harm them or encourage unwanted growth.
Mulch and weed control
Consider adding mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Native plants typically outcompete weeds once established, but you’ll want to give them some assistance in the beginning to set the stage for success.
Trust F&B Landscaping with Your Native Plant Design
A sustainable, beautiful yard doesn’t have to be high maintenance. When you incorporate native plants into your Colorado Springs landscape, you can enjoy an outdoor space that looks great year-round, while using fewer resources and less effort.
F&B Landscaping specializes in designing landscapes that work with the natural environment- not against it. Whether you’re just getting started or your updating your current landscaping, we can help you choose the best plants, layout, and materials to achieve your vision. When you’re ready to make your yard beautiful and easy to care for, contact us to schedule your consultation.