Is Chocolate Flower good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Chocolate Flower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Chocolate Flower?

Space Chocolate Flower about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Chocolate Flower hardy on the Front Range?

Chocolate Flower is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Chocolate Flower need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Chocolate Flower deer-resistant?

Chocolate Flower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Chocolate Flower bloom?

Chocolate Flower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Chocolate Flower

Berlandiera lyrata

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water18 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: no rights reserved
Photo 2: Susan Barnum, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Melburnian, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: (c) Rick Robb, some rights reserved (CC BY)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 18 in tall and 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer, mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chocolate Flower good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Chocolate Flower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Chocolate Flower get?: It matures to about 18 in tall and 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Chocolate Flower?: Space Chocolate Flower about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Chocolate Flower hardy on the Front Range?: Chocolate Flower is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Chocolate Flower need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Chocolate Flower native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Chocolate Flower deer-resistant?: Chocolate Flower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Chocolate Flower bloom?: Chocolate Flower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.