It’s been a rather dry winter and with warmer weather on the horizon, it’s a good time to consider adding some firewise plants to your landscape. These plants are a valuable addition primarily because they can help protect your home and property during fire season. In most cases, firewise plants are ones that retain a significant amount of moisture, preventing them from igniting as easily as other plants.
The Associated Landscapers of Colorado shared some extremely helpful information, as well as a list of plants that can help protect your home during the upcoming fire season in a recent issue of its Tip of the Week. Many landscaping and ornamental plants can be engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds. Replacing those flammable plants with low-growing, firewise counterparts, such as the following, can protect your investments while still creating a beautiful scene:
-
- Corsican Violet. These flowers do well in rock gardens as well as in the midst of a hot summer. Their vibrant purple blooms are attractive and the plant will seed itself in an ideal growing situation.
- Colorado Wildflowers. Our native wildflowers provide year round interest. You can sprinkle the seeds in a cleared area. Many are perennials, which means you will enjoy them for years to come.
- Low-growing Sedum. There are approximately 400 species of this attractive and hearty succulent that loves direct sun and heat.
Additional information on firewise landscaping and plants, visit the Colorado State University Extension and Colorado State Forest Service websites.
Contact Lifescape to begin designing a firewise landscape. Our professional landscape designers can help select the best plants for your Colorado landscaping.