Photo by Joanna Wishard on Unsplash
The crisp, white snow capping the Rockies certainly made for a breathtaking backdrop all winter long. However, nothing speaks to Colorado’s beauty more than its spring and summer greenery, bursting forth from backyard gardens to mountain trails, and everywhere in between. For your own dose of Colorado color, plant these flowers in late spring or early summer.
Perennials
Perennials are often used in Colorado gardens for their low-maintenance nature. Blooming year after year, if pruned and cultivated correctly, perennials add beautiful pops of color when spring rolls around, without much additional thought for the gardener. While perennials are most often planted directly in the ground or in raised beds, a few varietals work well in window boxes or container gardens.
Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ is one of the best perennials to plant in Colorado as it is extremely cold hardy and rugged. It attracts butterflies and offers a fragrant smell, especially after a rainstorm. Ivy and other trailing plants are perfect for window boxes and container gardens when planted toward the rim of the pot. Creeping Myrtle or Periwinkle adds a pop of light purple to blue color with ease. This plant is low maintenance and can be trimmed back occasionally to avoid bushing out.
Annuals
As spring temperatures begin to rise and the summer sun lingers in the sky, spring annuals may suffer under the heat. Hardier, heat tolerant annuals are great for late spring and early summer container gardens. Geranium, marigold, and zinnia add vibrant pops of color to window boxes and pots without taking over.
Lantana is another Colorado summertime favorite, much to the delight of our state’s butterflies. This rounded flower produces bright yellow, orange, and pink blooms, with some varietals even producing ombre shaded flowers and variegated foliage.
Succulents
Many seasoned gardeners have trouble with succulents because they tend to over nurture them. Succulents love dry soil and hot day time temperatures. However, gardeners tend to overwater and plant them too close together.
Succulents have shallow roots and thrive in wide bowl or dish like pots, making the perfect centerpiece for a patio table or shelving unit. Soil conditions for succulents somewhat differ from annuals and perennials. Plant succulents in their own container with a cactus mix potting soil or make your own by adding equal parts sand and pumice to a regular potting soil.
Agave and aloe thrive in containers and both make for useful, gorgeous additions to any succulent container garden. Echeveria makes for a lovely green filler or can stand alone when potted in a brightly colored, small container.
Regardless of your gardening desires, Colorado’s summer weather can produce the perfect climate for container gardens. Mild evening temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and full, bright sun cater to a variety of plant types. Decorate your outdoor patio space or fill window boxes with colorful annuals, hardy perennials, or whimsical succulents for pops of color all season long.
The Habitat Apartments provides beautiful outdoor lounge spaces, encouraging residents to get outside, enjoy the Colorado summertime, and meet the neighbors. With four courtyards, spacious lawns, and a tranquil swimming pool, The Habitat makes for a quiet, peaceful home along the bustling Front Range.