The Key to a Colorful Xeriscape

By: Rosalie Merriner 

In Northern Nevada, xeriscaping is becoming an increasingly popular landscaping style. A xeriscape is a landscape designed to use little supplemental water, making water conservation one of its key components. Xeriscapes often conserve water by incorporating drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and perennials, along with decorative rock and other water-wise landscaping materials. While a xeriscape may sound like it would be boring or lacking in color, there are plenty of ways to create a vibrant and eye-catching landscape. Today, we are going to share some tips and tricks to help your xeriscape pop with color.

Choosing Plants for Northern Nevada

One of the simplest ways to find colorful, drought-tolerant plants is to look at what naturally grows around you. Native plants are naturally adapted to Northern Nevada's climate and can be excellent choices for water-wise landscapes. With the right plant selection, you can create a colorful xeriscape while still conserving water. Here are a few colorful, drought-tolerant plant options that can thrive in a Northern Nevada xeriscape:

• Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

  • Rocky Mountain Penstemon produces beautiful blue-purple flowers and is incredibly drought tolerant once established. Not only does it add vibrant color to the landscape, but it is also a favorite among pollinators.

• Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

  • Blue Flax produces delicate, sky-blue flowers that add a soft and natural look to xeriscapes. Once established, it requires very little water.

• Munro's Globemallow (Sphaeralcea munroana)

  • This small shrub produces bright orange flowers and thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it a great choice for hot areas of the landscape.

• Desert Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa)

  • Desert Paintbrush is a popular choice because of its striking red-orange flowers. Its colorful blooms can also attract hummingbirds and add a bold pop of color to a xeriscape.

• Tufted Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa)

  • This fragrant perennial produces large white flowers that open in the evening. It is also a low-water plant, making it a beautiful and practical addition to a xeriscape.

Honorable Mentions

• Sundancer Daisy (Hymenoxys acaulis)

• Desert Purple Sage (Salvia dorrii)

• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Showy Four O'Clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

• Mountain Beebalm (Monardella odoratissima)

Add Color Through Different Seasons

Another great way to keep your xeriscape colorful throughout the year is to choose plants that bloom during different seasons. Planning a landscape around bloom times can seem overwhelming, especially when you are trying to find plants that complement one another. However, our designers are familiar with a wide variety of plants and their growing seasons and can help you create a landscape with color that lasts.

Here is a quick guide to some plant combinations that can work well together while providing color throughout the different seasons.

Blue & Purple

• Spring: Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

• Summer: Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

• Fall: Desert Purple Sage (Salvia dorrii)

Pink & Purple

• Spring: Tufted Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa)

• Summer: Mountain Beebalm (Monardella odoratissima)

• Fall: Showy Four O'Clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Warm Colors

• Spring: Sundancer Daisy (Hymenoxys acaulis)

• Summer: Munro's Globemallow (Sphaeralcea munroana)

• Fall: Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Red, Orange & Pink

• Spring: Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

• Summer: Desert Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa)

• Fall: Showy Four O'Clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Conclusion

When planning a xeriscape, you do not have to sacrifice color to be water conscious. With the right plant selection and thoughtful design, homeowners can create a vibrant Northern Nevada landscape without relying on water-intensive plants. From colorful flowers and interesting foliage to decorative rock and other hardscape features, there are countless ways to add visual interest while conserving water. At Antonucci Lawn and Garden, we would love to sit down with you and discuss how we can help you create a beautiful, colorful landscape that is both water conscious and well suited to Northern Nevada.