The best flowers to grow in New Mexico are an extensive list of herbaceous perennials, flowering shrubs, and annuals and biennials. The state has three growing zones, so you must know the ideal growing conditions of the flowers you want to plant. Make sure to check your site’s exposure, air, and elevation if they would be suitable for your flowers.
If you are on the northern slope of New Mexico, expect a colder environment. The cooler air in the valleys makes your garden more prone to frost, so using a greenhouse might be a better environment for your flowers. Refer to Krostrade.com to know more about indoor gardening in challenging locations.
List Of The Best Flowers To Grow In New Mexico
According to New Mexico State University, there are many flowering plants suitable for the state. They include herbaceous perennials, flowering shrubs, and annuals and biennials. However, the extension emphasizes the influence of your area when choosing flowers to plant.
Herbaceous perennials
At the arrival of spring in New Mexico, you can expect grape hyacinths to still bloom and daffodils to start finishing. Peonies will also begin to bloom, but this flower is suitable in colder regions. On the contrary, butterfly weed and Liatris are ideal if you are in a dry area.
Some other herbaceous perennials that will thrive in New Mexico include crocus, tulips, iris, and daylilies. Iris and daylilies are natural plants to grow, and they have different varieties to choose from. They can also bloom more than once, and the latter has a long blooming season.
Flowering shrubs
Lilacs, forsythia, and February jasmine are excellent flowering shrubs if you want spring blooms. If you wish to have a beautiful summer garden, roses, vitex, althea, and crepe myrtle are your flowers. However, some shrubs can freeze back, depending on your location.
Annuals and biennials
Pansies, sunflowers, shasta daisy, and rudbeckias are ideal for the New Mexico climate. Some flowers can even tolerate the winter. If you live in a dry area, desert marigold and Rocky Mountain zinnia will do well.
What Is The Best Flower To Plant Right Now?
Right now, apache plume and Chamisa are the best flowers to plant. August is a fantastic time to plant flowers in New Mexico because the temperatures are more forgiving, and the rains can encourage them to establish. However, because New Mexico is generally a high desert state, gardeners will be more successful in choosing native flowers.
Apache plume
Apache plume is a native in New Mexico, and it thrives well in rocky slopes, hillsides, and roadsides. This flower develops from April to June, and it is a member of the rose family. It’s the best flower to plant right now because it has low water consumption and can even serve as a cover by being a natural hedge.
Chamisa
Chamisa is another right plant for August planting because it thrives in hot and dry conditions. It is also a hardy shrub that is a native to New Mexico. A benefit Chamisa gives to your garden is that its fragrant flowers attract pollinators like butterflies.
Can You Just Sprinkle Flower Seeds?
You can just sprinkle flower seeds if what you’re planting are wildflowers. This is because you’ll be mimicking their natural way of reproduction in the wild. However, keep in mind the conditions in New Mexico, ranging from zones 4b to 9a, as this can affect the success of your sprinkled seeds.
What Month Is The Best For Plant Flowers In New Mexico?
The best month to plant flowers in New Mexico is August because of the monsoon conditions and declining temperatures. Still, some shrubs will thrive better in autumn because it is less windy. And while spring can have unpredictable temperatures and winds, you can use a greenhouse to plant flowers that will only thrive in spring.
What Plants Grow Well In Albuquerque?
Havard agave
Havard agave is a native succulent in Albuquerque. It is robust and requires very little maintenance. Its unique look that can reach up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide adds variety in the garden.
Lavender
Lavender is a hardy flower that will thrive well in the conditions of Albuquerque. You can choose from Spanish and French varieties that love hot sun and dry soil. The plant attracts pollinators, and the bush can even serve as ground cover.
Yarrow
Albuquerque is a suitable environment for the yarrow flower. This is a common plant in New Mexico, and you’ll find the flowers in red, pink, or yellow. Yarrow also attracts butterflies, and on your part, you won’t have problems in maintenance because it is drought resistant.
Conclusion
New Mexico has three growing zones, which gives gardeners an extensive list of plants to cultivate. The herbaceous perennials, flowering shrubs, and annuals and biennials are the best flowers to grow in New Mexico. The best month to plant flowers in New Mexico is August because the temperatures are milder, and the monsoon encourages growth.
However, do take note that some plants thrive better in autumn conditions. If you have flowers that require cultivation in spring, you can use a greenhouse to protect them from unpredictable temperatures in New Mexico.