CO Native, Xeric, & Drought Tolerant Plants
Discover the beauty and resilience of water-wise gardening at Fossil Creek Nursery. We provide one of the most extensive selections of native, xeric, and drought-tolerant plants in Northern Colorado, all specifically curated to thrive in our unique climate. Whether you are looking to conserve water or restore local biodiversity, our CCNP-certified nursery professionals are here to help you select the highest quality plant material for a sustainable, vibrant landscape. From hardy native shrubs to colorful xeric perennials, your most successful garden starts with our expertise.
What Is Xeriscaping Anyways?
Xeriscaping is a sustainable approach to landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. Contrary to the misconception that it consists only of gravel and cacti, xeriscaping is a diverse, water-wise design strategy that utilizes drought-tolerant plants, soil amendments, and efficient water management to create lush, vibrant landscapes that thrive in our specific climate.
Benefits Of Xeriscaping
This eco-friendly approach reduces water use while still allowing you to enjoy colorful flowers, textured foliage, and thriving plant life.
Water Savings
Once established, xeric, native, or drought-tolerant yards can greatly reduce outdoor water use.
Proven Performance
We don’t just stock any "Water-Wise" plant; we handpick the varieties that are proven to thrive here in Northern Colorado.
Resilient Landscape
By moving away from high-water-use turf, you can create a high-performance, resilient landscape that requires significantly less irrigation.
Shop Native & Xeric Plants
At Fossil Creek Nursery, we pride ourselves on offering the widest selection of Native and Xeric Plants:
Pasque Flower, White
Meadow Sage Blue Marvel
Meadow Sage, Lyrical Blue
Sedum, Red Carpet
Sedum, Tri Colored
Penstemon, Shadow Mountain
False Indigo
Gramma, Blue
Juniper, Pfitzer
Sedum, Old Man Bones
Xeriscape Incentive Programs (XIP)
Many communities along the Front Range offer Xeriscape Incentive Programs (XIP) to encourage water-saving landscapes. These programs often provide rebates, resources, or design assistance for homeowners transitioning to drought-tolerant yards. At Fossil Creek Nursery, we proudly offer the widest selection of XIP-compliant plants in Northern Colorado, making it easy to find the right plants for your landscape transformation.
Each city has their own XIP requirements and plant lists, so be sure to check out the XIP program in your area- our team of nursery professionals will walk you through the process of selecting the best plants for your area.
In Fort Collins, residential customers (homes and rental properties) can receive $0.75/square foot up to 1,000 square feet, or up to $750, per approved project, per address (as of March 2025).
Colorado Drought Update
Are there going to be water restrictions? Will my lawn die? Can I still have a veggie garden this summer? How does a nursery use water responsibly? There's a lot of scary information going around, and our team is going to do our absolute best to keep our community up to date on the latest with our current drought situation.
Check out our latest blog post to learn more about local water restrictions, our recommendations for your landscape, and how our team is approaching irrigation operations this year.
Ditch The Lawn: From Zero To Xeric Hero
Traditional grass lawns demand excessive water, fertilizers, and mowing — all of which strain our environment. By replacing thirsty turf with drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation systems, you can conserve water, reduce maintenance, and create a landscape that thrives in Colorado's climate. Xeriscaping offers vibrant flowers, rich textures, and unique designs without the environmental impact of a lawn.
Your Native & Xeric Glossary
Xeric
Xeric
Refers to an environment or habitat containing little moisture; very dry.
Xeriscape
Xeriscape
Often misunderstood as "zero-scape," it is actually a style of landscape design requiring little to no irrigation or other maintenance, specifically designed for arid regions.
Drought
Drought
A prolonged period of insufficient precipitation, low snowpack, and reduced reservoir storage that fails to meet the water needs of urban and rural areas.
Drought-Tolerant
Drought-Tolerant
A quality referring to a plant's ability to survive and grow with limited natural water availability.
Native Plants
Native Plants
Species that occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. They are naturally adapted to local rainfall and soil conditions.
Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP)
Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP)
A municipal or water utility-sponsored initiative that provides financial rebates, rewards, or technical assistance to encourage the replacement of high-water-use grass (turf) with water-efficient, drought-tolerant, and native landscapes.
Your Partner In Sustainable Landscaping
Navigating the transition to a water-efficient yard is simple when you have the right experts by your side. At Fossil Creek Nursery, we don't just provide plants; we provide solutions.
Local Expertise
Our friendly nursery professionals are experienced and ready to help you get started! There are no such thing as stupid questions. Our team will help you select the plants that work for you, your budget, and your space.
Wide Plant Selection
At Fossil Creek Nursery, we pride ourselves on providing Northern Colorado's widest selection of drought-tolerant, native, and/or xeric landscape plants.
Incentive Support
We are here to help you navigate local Xeriscape Incentive Programs. We can guide you in replacing high-water-use turf with water-efficient alternatives, helping you meet all local standards.
Need Xeric Design Ideas?
Get custom design inspiration for your space, right here, right now! Just upload a photo of your space, outline where you want to plant, select Native & Xeric styles, and get a custom planting list- straight from our nursery professionals to your phone. Every plant and design selection is hand-picked by our nursery team, with plants that thrive in our area.
Why Choose Fossil Creek Nursery For Northern Colorado Native & Xeric Plants?
At Fossil Creek Nursery, we believe the foundation of a thriving environment begins with the right plants. As Northern Colorado’s premier destination for native, xeric, and drought tolerant plants. We provide the high quality plant material, sourced and grown to thrive in our unique high-desert climate. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner creating your first water-wise landscape, we offer the region’s widest selection of drought-tolerant perennials, shrubs, and native grasses to ensure your vision comes to life.
Wide Native & Xeric Selection
We take pride in curating an unmatched inventory of native and xeric species. From rare Colorado-native wildflowers to resilient, low-water shrubs, our extensive collection is designed to offer diversity, texture, and seasonal color that you won't find anywhere else.
High Quality Plant Material
We refuse to compromise on quality. Every plant in our nursery is inspected for root health, structural integrity, and environmental readiness. Our commitment to excellence ensures that the plants you take home are healthy, robust, and ready to establish in your garden.
Experienced Professionals
Our team is our greatest asset. You aren't just buying plants; you are gaining access to a team of experts—many of whom are CCNP (Colorado Certified Nursery Professional) certified. We offer deep, science-backed knowledge on soil health, planting techniques, and long-term care tailored specifically to the Colorado landscape.
Adapted For Success
We focus on species that are naturally acclimated to our specific USDA hardiness zones and our area's distinct high-altitude challenges. By choosing our plants, you are selecting varieties that have a proven track record of durability and success in our local environment.
Experience the difference that quality and expertise make. Visit Fossil Creek Nursery today to browse our Native, Xeric, & Drought-Tolerant collection and consult with our certified professionals to find the perfect additions to your garden.