Colorado gardeners looking for colorful, tough plants that can handle the state’s challenging weather have new options to consider. Colorado State University’s 2024 Perennial Trial Garden has named eight top-performing perennials that stood out after three summers and two winters of testing in the Rocky Mountain climate.
The trial garden at CSU in Fort Collins evaluates new perennial plants for their strength, bloom quality, and ability to survive Colorado’s tough conditions, which include high altitude, strong sun, dry winds, and big temperature swings.
Here are the 8 best perennials from 2024 and why they earned their spots:
‘Chantay’ Delphinium: This plant shows off tall spikes of dusty lavender-pink flowers twice a year, in late spring and early fall. It needs support to hold up its heavy blooms but offers long-lasting color.
‘Orchid Frost Grande’ Lamium: A groundcover with bright orchid-pink flowers and shiny silver-green leaves, it grows well in sun or shade and looks great all season in beds or containers.
‘Evening Sun’ Missouri Evening Primrose: A native plant with bright yellow flowers that glow from afternoon into evening. It attracts pollinators, tolerates drought, and stays low to the ground, making it perfect for hot, dry spots.
‘Jelena’ Russian Sage: With lavender-blue flowers and soft gray-green leaves, this 3- to 4-foot plant resists flopping and draws pollinators, adding color and texture to gardens.
‘Goldblitz’ Black-Eyed Susan: Blooming earlier than similar varieties, this flower adds sunny yellow color from summer through fall and attracts bees and butterflies.
‘Conga Line’ Stonecrop (Sedum): This succulent changes leaf color from green to purple and ends the season with peachy cream flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and loved by pollinators.
‘Skyward Blue’ and ‘Skyward Pink’ Speedwell: These two varieties light up gardens with bright blue and pink flowers from late spring until fall.
‘Pristine Princess Pink’ Beardtongue: Featuring bubblegum-pink tubular flowers, this native plant attracts hummingbirds and, once established, needs little water.
The CSU Perennial Trial Garden’s research helps gardeners find plants that thrive in Colorado’s unique environment. The garden is maintained by students, volunteers, and master gardeners, and is funded by plant companies and donations.
For gardeners wanting colorful, hardy plants that can replace water-hungry lawns or brighten tough spots, these eight perennials offer proven beauty and resilience.
