April showers bring May flowers! 

As spring heats up, wildflowers start blooming over the area. I wanted to share a few of my favorite flowers that can be seen around Durango, Colorado: Sunflower, Oxeye Daisy, Goldenrod, Black-Eyed Susan, Blue Columbine, Silvery Lupin, and Indian Blanket. These flowers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also support local ecosystems by attracting pollinators.

Sunflower

Sunflowers are iconic for their tall stems and large, cheerful yellow petals that follow the sun's path across the sky. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a striking addition to any garden. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seeds sown directly into the ground after the last frost.

Oxeye Daisy

The Oxeye Daisy is a classic wildflower with white petals surrounding a yellow center. These perennials are hardy and can grow in various soil types, preferring full sun to partial shade. They bloom from late spring to early summer, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your garden. These can be found almost everywhere near Durango, CO.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod features tall spikes of small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It's a favorite among pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Goldenrod is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance garden.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susans are well-loved for their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. These hardy perennials bloom from summer to fall and are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer full sun and are drought-tolerant once established.

Blue Columbine

The Blue Columbine is a delicate wildflower native to the Rocky Mountains, known for its unique blue and white flowers. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, blooming in late spring to early summer. This flower adds a touch of elegance to woodland gardens and shaded areas.

Silvery Lupin

Silvery Lupin boasts stunning blue to purple flowers that grow in tall spikes. This perennial prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun to partial shade. It's an excellent choice for xeriscaping and attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Indian Blanket

Indian Blanket, or Gaillardia pulchella, features vibrant red and yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This hardy annual thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect low-maintenance option. Indian Blanket attracts pollinators and adds a bold splash of color to any garden.

• Missouri Botanical Garden. "Gaillardia pulchella." Plant Finder, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g220.
• Missouri Botanical Garden. "Rudbeckia hirta." Plant Finder, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j210.
• North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. "Gaillardia pulchella." North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gaillardia-pulchella/.
• North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. "Rudbeckia hirta." North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rudbeckia-hirta/.

What are your favorite flowers in the area?