Three Must-Have Plants from My 2024 Colorado Garden

If you're looking to add some standout plants to your garden next year, here are three that exceeded all my expectations.

Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)

Yes, this plant actually smells like chocolate! My daughter and I couldn't believe it when we first discovered the scent - we were on our hands and knees sniffing away. But what really makes this plant special is what happens after the yellow petals drop - you get these stunning green rosettes that add beautiful structure to the garden.

This plant does best when left undisturbed in full sun with well-draining soil. At just 1-2 feet tall, it's perfect for border edges where you can enjoy both the scent and watch the steady stream of native bees and small butterflies visiting the blooms. Later, finches come for the seeds, adding even more life to your garden.

Blue Fortune Agastache (Agastache 'Blue Fortune')

If you want a plant that just keeps performing, this is it. Blue Fortune has been blooming non-stop from midsummer through fall, and its strong stems are still standing now in winter. The lavender-blue flower spikes pair beautifully with pretty much everything, and the minty-licorice scented foliage is a bonus when you're working in the garden.

It's a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, completely drought-tolerant once established, and never needs staking. At 2-3 feet tall, it's substantial enough to anchor a border but won't take over. Currently, it’s still standing strong in my winter garden and I’ve found chickadees, finches, and even juncos using it as a resting spot. Even after the blooms fade, it gives you months of garden activity.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Don't let weed in the name fool you - this native plant is a garden showstopper. The bright orange flower clusters are beautiful from June through August, but the real surprise comes later with the striking bluish-green seed pods. When these pods split open, they reveal silky white seeds that catch the light beautifully.

This plant thrives in poor soil and full sun, laughs off drought, and brings in clouds of butterflies, I’ve noticed Swallowtails and Fritillaries. The dense growth provides shelter for beneficial insects, and birds use both the seeds for food and the silky fluff for nesting material.

All three of these plants are low-maintenance workhorses that deliver way beyond their basic care requirements. They're drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and bring both beauty and wildlife to your garden. Whether you're looking for unique fragrance, long-lasting blooms, or stunning seed pods, these plants deliver.