Drought Resistant Plants for Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Managing a commercial property in Denver means juggling curb appeal, budgets, and sustainability goals—all in a semi-arid climate. Traditional landscapes can be expensive to maintain and water-hungry, especially in Colorado's dry summers. That's where drought resistant plants come in. They’re not just a smart landscaping choice—they’re a long-term investment in efficiency and resilience.

Whether you're managing an office park, retail center, HOA, or industrial campus, using drought resistant plants can drastically reduce your water bills, minimize upkeep, and still deliver a professional, polished look year-round.

Why Drought Resistant Plants Make Sense for Commercial Properties

Water is one of the biggest costs in commercial landscaping. And with Denver seeing rising temperatures and more frequent drought conditions, city officials are tightening water restrictions during the summer. That puts commercial property managers in a tough spot: how do you maintain curb appeal without blowing your budget—or violating local water ordinances?

Drought resistant plants are the answer. These plants naturally thrive with minimal irrigation, tolerate high heat, and still provide visual interest. They're ideal for Denver’s high-desert climate, and when strategically incorporated into commercial landscapes, they can cut water use by up to 60%.

But the benefits go beyond savings:

• Reduced Maintenance: Less mowing, trimming, and irrigation.

• Increased Property Value: A well-designed, low-maintenance landscape is a selling point for tenants.

• Environmental Impact: Supporting native and water-wise species means less strain on city water supplies.

Top Drought Resistant Plants for Denver Landscapes

Let’s get specific. If you’re planning to upgrade your property’s landscaping, here are some of the best-performing drought resistant plants that thrive in the Denver metro area:

1. Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)

As Colorado’s state grass, Blue Grama is tough, attractive, and practically maintenance-free. It has a soft, wavy texture and beautiful seed heads that add motion and charm to the landscape.

• Height: 1–2 feet

• Best for: Ground cover, open areas, medians

2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

This plant delivers a bold pop of purple and thrives in hot, dry environments. It’s great for filling in large beds or creating low hedges.

• Height: 3–5 feet

• Best for: Borders, walkways, entry zones

3. Yucca (Yucca glauca)

Yucca adds architectural interest with its sharp, spiky foliage and tall white flower spikes. It's native to the region and handles heat and drought with ease.

• Height: 2–4 feet

• Best for: Accent planting, xeriscape beds

4. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

A native wildflower that blooms in red, yellow, and orange hues all summer. It's a pollinator magnet and requires very little water once established.

• Height: 1–2 feet

• Best for: Flower beds, naturalized areas

5. Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)

This large shrub features delicate white flowers followed by feathery, pink seed plumes. It’s great for privacy screening and erosion control.

• Height: 3–6 feet

• Best for: Perimeter planting, slopes, parking lot buffers

6. Creeping Mahonia (Mahonia repens)

Ideal for shady spots and under trees, Creeping Mahonia adds evergreen foliage and bright yellow spring flowers.

• Height: Under 1 foot

• Best for: Ground cover, shaded areas

7. Penstemon (Multiple species)

Penstemons come in a wide range of colors and sizes and attract hummingbirds. These hardy perennials thrive with little care.

• Height: 1–3 feet

• Best for: Mixed beds, pollinator gardens

Design Tips for Drought Resistant Commercial Landscapes

Choosing the right drought resistant plants is step one. Next comes smart design.

• Group by Water Needs: Even drought tolerant plants need some water—especially during establishment. Group plants with similar needs to streamline irrigation.

• Use Mulch: A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.

• Incorporate Hardscapes: Walkways, gravel, and boulders reduce planting area and water demand while adding structure and visual interest.

• Plan for Year-Round Appeal: Combine evergreen shrubs with seasonal bloomers for a landscape that looks alive even in winter.

• Drip Irrigation: Efficient and targeted, drip systems waste less water and reduce evaporation.

What About Native Plants?

Many of the best drought resistant plants for Denver are native to the region. That’s a win for sustainability. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, support pollinators, and require fewer inputs over time.

You can explore even more native, drought-tolerant plant options through trusted resources like the Colorado Native Plant Society. Their plant lists and guides can be incredibly useful when planning large-scale commercial landscaping upgrades.

Making the Switch: What to Expect

Switching to drought resistant plants doesn’t mean tearing out everything and starting from scratch. A phased approach is often the most practical—and the most budget-friendly. Start with high-visibility areas like entrances and signage, then expand to parking lots, medians, and open spaces.

If you already have irrigation infrastructure in place, some adjustments may be needed, but modern drip systems are flexible and can be retrofitted easily. Maintenance crews will also need minor retraining to handle different pruning, mulching, and fertilizing needs—but the overall workload often drops significantly.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Landscape?

Ditch the thirsty turf and high-maintenance shrubs. It’s time to make a smart switch that saves water, money, and hassle—without sacrificing curb appeal.

Contact Horizon Property Services today to schedule a consultation. Let’s create a low-maintenance, high-impact landscape built for Colorado’s climate—and your bottom line.

FAQs About Drought Resistant Plants

1. How much water can I save by switching to drought resistant plants?

Most commercial properties can reduce irrigation water use by 40–60% by converting turf-heavy areas to landscapes that use drought resistant plants. The exact savings depend on your current landscape design, plant selection, and irrigation system efficiency.

2. Are drought resistant plants also low maintenance?

Yes—once established, most drought resistant plants require far less upkeep than traditional turf or high-water ornamentals. You’ll spend less time mowing, fertilizing, and repairing irrigation issues. That said, they still benefit from seasonal pruning and occasional weeding to keep things tidy.

3. Can I integrate drought resistant plants into my existing landscape, or do I need to start over?

You don’t have to start from scratch. Many commercial landscapes can be improved in phases by replacing the most water-intensive areas first. Horizon Property Services can assess your current setup and recommend a custom plan that balances sustainability, aesthetics, and budget.