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:
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- 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.
![corsican violet firewise plants for colorado landscapes](https://lifescapecolorado.com/files/2013/02/edec1b68134907f06e22cc3672bc6894.jpg)
- 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.
![colorado wildflowers firewise plants for colorado landscapes](https://lifescapecolorado.com/files/2013/02/69e56aac2a27165abb824c1d61dac13a.jpg)
- Low-growing Sedum. There are approximately 400 species of this attractive and hearty succulent that loves direct sun and heat.
![low-growing sedum firewise plants for colorado landscapes](https://lifescapecolorado.com/files/2013/02/eeb6a899c382c8f241a19750090b8e9c.jpg)
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.