Fall Planting in Colorado: Natives and Bulbs to Plant Now for a Better 2027 Yard
/Fall is a perfect planting window for natives and bulbs on the Front Range. Roots establish over winter, so spring water demand drops. If you had plants that didn't survive this year due to our hot temperatures and lack of rainfall, this approach may provide you with a more successful growing season in 2027.
I have included a list of some of my favorite natives to plant in Colorado Front Range yards. If you love to see flowers peaking their heads up when the snow is finally melting in the spring, I've also included some of my favorite bulbs.
Remember, planting in October means less watering next summer. With a little pre-planning, you'll have beautiful natives to enjoy all next year!
Colorado Native Plants to Plant Now Through Mid-October
Golden currant and western serviceberry. Both native shrubs and ideal fall candidates. Woody plants are perfect for fall planting. Be cautious of rabbits as they love to nibble on the leaves.
Creeping barberry (creeping mahonia). Colorado native, but it's evergreen, so get it in early and water it through winter or it won't survive.
Blazing star. Treat these just like your tulip bulbs. Plant in fall and see them bloom in spring.
Wild bergamot, white heath aster, Maximilian sunflower. All hardy natives, and all good to plant now. The sunflower grows to about 6 to 8 feet and spreads by rhizomes, so plant it on a back border, not a small bed.
Daylily. Plant it now and in a few years you can divide the flower to enjoy multiple daylily's.
Faassen's catnip. This plant is tough enough to survive winter.
Fall Bulbs to Plant in Colorado: September Through October
Plant September through October, before the ground freezes. All of the bulbs below attract our local pollinators so not only do you get to enjoy these pretty flowers, but pollinators also benefit from them!
Allium (ornamental onion). One of my favorite bulbs because bees love allium and the deer and rabbits avoid it. Allium also loves our dry summers.
Crocus. One of the first flowers you may see peeking up through the snow. Squirrels do like to dig them, so plant extra.
Grape hyacinth (Muscari). These are tough flowers, they spread on their own and also attract plenty of bees.
Snowdrops and winter aconite. An early spring flower that provides hope that summer is just around the corner! I love to plant these near a window so I can enjoy seeing them bud.
Daffodil. A bulb that blooms year after year and rabbits avoid them.
Hybrid & Species tulips (look for Tulipa tarda or Tulipa clusiana). Hybrid tulips are basically annuals. They bloom once and then they are done. Species tulips come back every year and multiply. They also love our dry climate.
How to Plant Fall Bulbs in Colorado
Depth: four times the height of the bulb, measured from the soil surface to the tip.
Water once after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch after the ground freezes, not before. The mulch is there to prevent freeze-thaw heaving, not to keep the bulbs warm.
Group them in clusters of five to seven rather than single file. They look more intentional that way.
