Best Plants For Outdoor Pots In Colorado

Best Plants for Outdoor Pots in Colorado

Colorado's diverse climate, with its sunny days and chilly nights, presents a unique challenge for gardeners. However, with careful plant selection, it's possible to create vibrant and flourishing container gardens. This article will explore some of the best plants for outdoor pots in Colorado, considering factors like sun exposure, water requirements, and cold tolerance.

Sun-Loving Plants

For areas that receive ample sunlight, consider these sun-loving plants:

Lantana: These vibrant flowers come in a rainbow of colors and attract pollinators. They thrive in full sun and tolerate dry conditions.
Salvia: This versatile plant comes in numerous varieties, offering different colors and bloom times. Some popular choices include 'Black and Blue Salvia' and 'Pineapple Sage,' which is known for its fragrant leaves.
Geraniums: A classic choice for containers, geraniums offer a wide array of colors and bloom throughout the summer. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
Zinnias: These cheerful flowers come in various sizes and colors, adding bursts of color to any container garden. Zinnias are easy to grow and attract butterflies.
Petunias: Petunias are a great choice for cascading containers, producing a profusion of blooms throughout the growing season. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Plants for Partial Shade

For areas that receive some shade, consider these plants:

Fuchsia: Fuchsias are known for their delicate flowers and trailing habit. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Impatiens: Impatiens are a reliable choice for shade gardens, offering a wide range of colors and blooming profusely throughout the summer.
Begonias: Begonias come in a variety of types, including wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and rex begonias. They generally prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Coleus: Coleus is a popular choice for its striking foliage, which comes in an array of colors and patterns. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Hostas: Hostas are known for their attractive foliage, which can be green, blue-green, or variegated. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

Cold-Tolerant Plants for Colorado Winters

While Colorado winters can be harsh, there are several cold-tolerant plants that can withstand the low temperatures and snow. Some notable choices include:

Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses provide winter interest with their graceful forms and seed heads. Popular choices include 'Blue Fescue,' 'Switchgrass,' and 'Fountain Grass'.
Evergreen Shrubs: Evergreen shrubs like Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Boxwood offer year-round interest. They thrive in well-drained soil and tolerate cold temperatures.
Conifers: Conifers, such as dwarf pines and junipers, are well-suited for Colorado's climate. They provide a structured and evergreen presence in container gardens.
Winter-Hardy Ferns: Certain fern varieties, like the Japanese Painted Fern, are winter-hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures.

Choosing the Right Pots

The choice of pot is as important as the plants themselves. Consider these factors:

Material: Clay pots are porous and allow soil to dry out more quickly, which can be beneficial for certain plants. Plastic pots retain moisture better and are typically more affordable.
Size: Choose pots that are large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and allow for adequate drainage.
Drainage: Ensure that pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can damage plant roots.

Caring for Container Plants

Maintaining healthy container plants requires regular care. Here are some key tips:

Watering: Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Check the soil moisture before watering, ensuring it is dry to the touch.
Fertilizing: Fertilize container plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter Protection: In winter, protect cold-tolerant plants by moving them to a sheltered location or wrapping them with burlap. Consider bringing more sensitive plants indoors.