Gardeners moving from other states, (especially those from warmer climates), to Denver might be surprised to learn that just because a garden center (usually a big-box store) sells a plant, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can just plunk it the ground and achieve beautiful results.
13 years ago I moved back to Denver after living and learning to garden in Orange and Marin counties in California. I was delighted to see many of my favorite plants, vines, and bushes available in Colorado.
After purchasing local Front Range gardening books, I made the unfortunate discovery that the following plants, which are considered perennials in CA, are usually treated as annuals (and grown in pots) in the Denver area.
Be Wary of Planting these Common Plants found in Denver Garden Centers:
Bougainvilleas
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)
Blue Potato Vines (Solanum Rantonnetti)
Tropical Hibiscus (as opposed to the hardy hibiscus)
Hydrangeas (Yes, there are some types of hydrangeas that do well in Denver conditions – in particular the Annabelle, Limelight, or Oakleaf varieties. I’m talking about the vibrant blue or pink mophead or lacecap (macrophylla) selections found in moist soils throughout the country. Some Denver gardeners have had good luck with the mophead Endless Summer but mine died after a few months in my Highlands Ranch backyard.
Stay tuned for what to plant in Denver gardens coming soon!
Michelle A. Potter
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