6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Garden Plants
When it comes to picking plants for your garden in Colorado or Arizona, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The climate and environment of these two states make it challenging for many plants – both foreign and native – to grow and thrive. This makes it crucial to choose the ones that will survive in these conditions so you don’t spend all this time working only for your plants to die.
We’ll break down the top characteristics and aspects to consider when selecting plants for your Colorado or Arizona garden. The experts at your local Pioneer Landscape Centers can help.
What Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Garden Plants
#1. Climate
The climate in both Colorado and Arizona can be extreme, even at the best of times. Everyone knows about our hot summers, but our cold winters can be just as harmful to our plants. This means that you must choose garden plants that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, not just the heat.
Look for plants that are labeled as "drought-tolerant" or "heat-resistant." These will survive the heat, but you still need to find plants that also need to be “frost-resistant.” It's equally important to choose plants that can handle frost and even snow during the winter months.
#2. Soil Conditions
Another important factor to consider is the soil condition in your garden. Colorado and Arizona have soils generally high in alkaline, which can be challenging for some plants.
You can research the pH preferences of the plants you are considering and choose ones that can thrive in alkaline soil. If you want to use plants that don’t thrive in highly alkaline environments, you need to add specific soil, topsoil, or amendments. This can improve your soil quality and ensure your plants have access to the necessary nutrients.
#3. Water Requirements
Due to the limited water supply in Colorado and Arizona, it's recommended to choose garden plants with low water requirements. You can use plants that require more water, but that can be challenging, especially if water supplies become lower than usual at some point during the year.
Plants that are native to these regions are generally a great option. They have evolved to thrive in their natural environment and require less water.
#4. Sun Exposure
The amount of sun your garden receives will also play a significant role in the success of your chosen plants. Colorado and Arizona both have high levels of sunlight, so it's important to select plants that can handle full sun exposure. If your garden does have some shady areas, be sure to choose shade-tolerant plants for those spots.
#5. Maintenance
Don’t forget to consider the level of maintenance required for the plants you are considering. Whether it's native or foreign to this region, maintenance can be all over the place for plants.
Depending on your gardening experience and available time, it may be best to choose low-maintenance plants if you only have so much time to devote to this hobby. Native plants and succulents are excellent options for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to gardening.
#6. Native Plant Options
One of the key strategies for successful gardening in the challenging climates of Colorado and Arizona is to choose native plants. These are plants that are naturally adapted to survive and thrive in the local conditions, and they often require less maintenance and watering than non-native species. Some options include:
- There’s the Rocky Mountain Penstemon with its vibrant blue-purple flowers
- The Ponderosa Pine is a common tree species in Colorado
- Consider the vibrant orange Desert Marigold
- Don’t forget the heat-tolerant Arizona Cypress
- There is also the iconic Saguaro Cactus
Contact Your Local Pioneer Landscape Centers For Tools and Supplies
With these factors in mind, you should now have a better understanding of what to consider when choosing garden plants for your Colorado or Arizona landscape. By selecting the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that will enhance the beauty of your home and withstand the unique challenges of these two states' climates.
For a wide selection of plants, as well as tools and supplies to help you maintain your garden, contact your local Pioneer Landscape Centers. Our knowledgeable staff can also provide additional guidance and advice to ensure the success of your garden.