The climate in this region is characterized by cold, snowy winters, cool summers, late spring frosts, large day-to-night temperature swings, and a short growing season.
This seed mix contains over 39,000 seeds (1/10 oz.) and includes the following wildflowers suited specifically to this region:
Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) — A hardy western mountain perennial with large, golden-yellow sunflower-like blooms held above distinctive silvery-green, arrow-shaped leaves. It thrives on sunny mountain slopes, open woodlands, and well-drained upland soils.
Aspen Fleabane / Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) — A showy mountain perennial with masses of lavender-blue, yellow-centered daisy-like flowers that provide abundant summer color and attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — A cheerful native wildflower with golden-yellow petals surrounding prominent dark brown centers. Its long-lasting summer flowers provide bold color and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) — A beautiful Rocky Mountain perennial with distinctive blue-violet and white spurred flowers. It grows naturally in mountain meadows, open forests, and other cool upland habitats and provides nectar for hummingbirds and native pollinators.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) — A striking western mountain perennial with upright spikes of rich indigo-blue to violet-purple tubular flowers. It performs well in sunny, well-drained mountain soils and attracts hummingbirds and native bees.
Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) — A hardy western perennial with attractive silvery-green foliage and upright spikes of blue to violet pea-like flowers. It grows naturally in dry mountain meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes.
Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) — A hardy perennial with blue-green foliage and abundant lavender-blue to violet flowers with golden centers. Its late-season blooms extend the flowering season and provide valuable nectar for bees and butterflies.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) — An aromatic perennial with rounded clusters of lavender-pink flowers. Its summer blooms provide abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Tips for Planting Wildflower Seeds in this Region:
Plant around the natural freeze cycle: Sow in late fall just before the ground freezes, allowing seeds to remain dormant through winter and germinate naturally in spring.
Choose a sunny site: Most native wildflowers perform best with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Prepare the soil lightly: Remove weeds and competing vegetation, but avoid heavily amending native soils. Many regional wildflowers are adapted to lean, rocky, or well-drained soils.
Press seeds into the soil: Scatter seeds over the prepared surface and gently press them into contact with the soil. Do not bury them deeply; many wildflower seeds require light to germinate.
Let winter do the work: Snow, freezing temperatures, and natural moisture provide important seasonal conditions for many native species and can help break seed dormancy.
Protect the seedbed: Avoid disturbing the area after sowing, especially through winter and early spring.
Watch moisture in spring: As snow melts and temperatures rise, keep an eye on newly emerging seedlings, particularly during unusually dry periods.
Expect uneven germination: Native wildflowers often germinate at different times, and some species may require more than one season to establish.
Be patient: In this region, the short growing season and cold temperatures mean wildflowers may establish more slowly than plants grown in warmer climates.
At Desert Roots Nursery, we’re here to help you choose plants and seeds that are suited to your corner of the Southwest—so you can spend less time fighting the climate and more time enjoying the blooms.
The climate in this region is characterized by cold, snowy winters, cool summers, late spring frosts, large day-to-night temperature swings, and a short growing season.
This seed mix contains over 39,000 seeds (1/10 oz.) and includes the following wildflowers suited specifically to this region:
Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) — A hardy western mountain perennial with large, golden-yellow sunflower-like blooms held above distinctive silvery-green, arrow-shaped leaves. It thrives on sunny mountain slopes, open woodlands, and well-drained upland soils.
Aspen Fleabane / Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) — A showy mountain perennial with masses of lavender-blue, yellow-centered daisy-like flowers that provide abundant summer color and attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — A cheerful native wildflower with golden-yellow petals surrounding prominent dark brown centers. Its long-lasting summer flowers provide bold color and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) — A beautiful Rocky Mountain perennial with distinctive blue-violet and white spurred flowers. It grows naturally in mountain meadows, open forests, and other cool upland habitats and provides nectar for hummingbirds and native pollinators.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) — A striking western mountain perennial with upright spikes of rich indigo-blue to violet-purple tubular flowers. It performs well in sunny, well-drained mountain soils and attracts hummingbirds and native bees.
Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) — A hardy western perennial with attractive silvery-green foliage and upright spikes of blue to violet pea-like flowers. It grows naturally in dry mountain meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes.
Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) — A hardy perennial with blue-green foliage and abundant lavender-blue to violet flowers with golden centers. Its late-season blooms extend the flowering season and provide valuable nectar for bees and butterflies.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) — An aromatic perennial with rounded clusters of lavender-pink flowers. Its summer blooms provide abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Tips for Planting Wildflower Seeds in this Region:
Plant around the natural freeze cycle: Sow in late fall just before the ground freezes, allowing seeds to remain dormant through winter and germinate naturally in spring.
Choose a sunny site: Most native wildflowers perform best with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Prepare the soil lightly: Remove weeds and competing vegetation, but avoid heavily amending native soils. Many regional wildflowers are adapted to lean, rocky, or well-drained soils.
Press seeds into the soil: Scatter seeds over the prepared surface and gently press them into contact with the soil. Do not bury them deeply; many wildflower seeds require light to germinate.
Let winter do the work: Snow, freezing temperatures, and natural moisture provide important seasonal conditions for many native species and can help break seed dormancy.
Protect the seedbed: Avoid disturbing the area after sowing, especially through winter and early spring.
Watch moisture in spring: As snow melts and temperatures rise, keep an eye on newly emerging seedlings, particularly during unusually dry periods.
Expect uneven germination: Native wildflowers often germinate at different times, and some species may require more than one season to establish.
Be patient: In this region, the short growing season and cold temperatures mean wildflowers may establish more slowly than plants grown in warmer climates.
At Desert Roots Nursery, we’re here to help you choose plants and seeds that are suited to your corner of the Southwest—so you can spend less time fighting the climate and more time enjoying the blooms.
