Denver gardeners face unique challenges with our high altitude, intense sun, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Native drought-tolerant perennials offer the perfect solution for creating beautiful, sustainable gardens that thrive in our challenging climate.
As August heat tests even the hardiest plants, these local favorites continue to shine while conserving precious water resources.
1. Prairie Zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora)
Low-growing mats of bright yellow daisy-like flowers transform Denver gardens from July through September. Prairie Zinnia’s silvery-green foliage creates an attractive groundcover even when not in bloom.
Native to Colorado’s eastern plains, this perennial thrives in poor, rocky soil where other plants struggle. Pollinators adore these cheerful blooms, making them perfect for natural gardens.
2. Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla patens)
Early spring purple blooms make Pasque Flower a cherished sight after winter’s grip loosens. Fuzzy seedheads follow the flowers, extending this plant’s visual interest well into summer.
Growing just 8-12 inches tall, these native beauties prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. Their delicate appearance belies remarkable resilience to Colorado’s challenging conditions, needing almost no supplemental water once established.
3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Fiery red and yellow blooms dance atop slender stems from June until frost, creating a Mexican sunset effect in your garden. Blanket Flower’s daisy-like appearance adds cheerful color when many other plants have surrendered to summer heat.
Extremely drought-resistant once established, this native perennial attracts butterflies and thrives in full sun locations. Denver gardeners appreciate its long bloom period and ability to self-seed moderately without becoming invasive.
4. Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
Spikes of vibrant blue-purple tubular flowers rise dramatically above glossy green foliage in early summer. Hummingbirds zoom toward these nectar-rich blooms, creating magical moments in Denver gardens.
Naturally adapted to our region’s challenging conditions, Rocky Mountain Penstemon thrives in poor soils where pampered plants fail. Its upright growth habit (2-3 feet tall) makes it perfect for adding vertical interest to water-wise garden designs.
5. Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)
Morning walks become magical experiences with Chocolate Flower’s cocoa-scented yellow blooms filling the air with sweet fragrance. True to its name, the delicious chocolate aroma is strongest in morning hours before fading as temperatures rise.
Yellow daisy-like flowers with maroon centers bloom from May through October. Denver gardeners love this native perennial’s extended blooming season and its ability to thrive with minimal water in poor, rocky soils.
6. Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum)
Mat-forming groundcover erupts with clusters of bright yellow flowers in late spring, creating a stunning visual impact. Sulphur Flower’s blue-green foliage maintains year-round interest even when not in bloom.
Native to rocky slopes throughout Colorado, this tough little plant laughs at drought and poor soil. Denver gardeners appreciate its ability to spread slowly without becoming invasive, perfect for filling spaces between larger perennials or cascading over rock walls.
7. Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Distinctive drooping yellow petals surround elongated dark centers, creating the appearance of tiny sombreros dancing in summer breezes. Prairie Coneflower’s unusual form adds whimsical texture to Denver gardens from June through September.
Growing 1-3 feet tall, this native beauty attracts beneficial insects and provides food for goldfinches when seeds mature. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and poor soil where many other plants struggle.
8. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Clusters of vibrant orange flowers transform gardens into butterfly havens throughout summer. Monarchs and other pollinators flock to this essential native plant, creating living art in Denver landscapes.
Deep taproots make Butterfly Weed incredibly drought-resistant once established. While slow to emerge in spring, patience is rewarded with spectacular blooms that last for weeks. Its compact 1-2 foot height fits perfectly into perennial borders or native plant gardens.
9. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)
Delicate sky-blue flowers dance on slender stems each morning, creating an ethereal effect reminiscent of floating sapphires. By afternoon, these blooms fade, but new ones appear daily throughout the growing season.
Blue Flax reseeds gently, creating naturalized drifts over time without becoming problematic. Denver gardeners value this native perennial’s feathery foliage and its remarkable ability to thrive in our challenging climate with minimal care.
10. Sunset Hyssop (Agastache rupestris)
Spikes of sunset-orange tubular flowers emit a delightful root beer scent when brushed against. Hummingbirds battle for prime positions around this aromatic native, creating entertaining garden spectacles from July through October.
Gray-green foliage remains attractive even during drought periods. Denver gardeners appreciate Sunset Hyssop’s resistance to deer and rabbits, making it perfect for problem areas where other plants get devoured. Its 2-3 foot height works beautifully in mid-border positions.
11. Dotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata)
Purple fuzzy spikes emerge in late summer when many other plants have finished blooming. Dotted Gayfeather’s unusual growth pattern—blooming from top to bottom instead of bottom to top—makes it a fascinating garden addition.
Extremely drought-tolerant thanks to taproots that can extend 15 feet deep! This remarkable adaptation allows it to thrive in Denver’s challenging conditions. Butterflies and native bees flock to these nectar-rich blooms, adding wildlife interest to August gardens.
12. Pineleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)
Scarlet tubular flowers erupt from needle-like foliage in early summer, creating a fiery display that hummingbirds can’t resist. The evergreen foliage resembles pine needles, providing year-round structure and interest.
Compact growth habit (12-18 inches) makes Pineleaf Penstemon perfect for front-of-border positions or rock gardens. Denver gardeners value this native perennial’s ability to bloom profusely even during drought conditions and its resistance to deer browsing.