Xeriscape perennials for mountain gardeners Xeriscape Perennials for Mountain Gardeners By Rina Peck, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, Denver County Growing perennial flowers in mountain gardens is no small feat. Only the tough prevail at high elevations. Plants for mountain areas must be able to withstand daily temperature fluctuations of forty degrees, high summer heat, intense sunlight and cool nights.
Water is one of the most limiting factors.
For many mountain homeowners with wells, watering plants in July can mean a choice between the flowers and a post-gardening shower. Location, planting and care are of equal importance to plant selection in mountain perennial growing success. Location differences are magnified at high elevations. Pronounced microclimate effects from the interplay of sunshine, objects and terrain make plant location decisions critical. A plant growing in the shade of a rock may as well be in a whole different climate than the same plant located 3 feet away in full sun.