Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Indigo Blue Dragonhead is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Indigo Blue Dragonhead?

Space Indigo Blue Dragonhead about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 15 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead hardy on the Front Range?

Indigo Blue Dragonhead is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Indigo Blue Dragonhead need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead deer-resistant?

Indigo Blue Dragonhead is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Indigo Blue Dragonhead bloom?

Indigo Blue Dragonhead blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

Back to the plant finder

Indigo Blue Dragonhead

Dracocephalum ruyschiana

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

Indigo Blue Dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyschiana) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Deep indigo-blue tubular flowers; alpine mint-family perennial.

Plant Select®low to medium water12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Вячеслав Юсупов, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Ivar Leidus, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: no rights reserved
Photo 5: (c) Вячеслав Юсупов, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 6: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wide
Planting spacing: ~10 to 15 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early summer, mid summer
Bloom color: blue, purple
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Indigo Blue Dragonhead is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Indigo Blue Dragonhead get?: It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Indigo Blue Dragonhead?: Space Indigo Blue Dragonhead about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 15 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead hardy on the Front Range?: Indigo Blue Dragonhead is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Indigo Blue Dragonhead need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Indigo Blue Dragonhead deer-resistant?: Indigo Blue Dragonhead is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Indigo Blue Dragonhead bloom?: Indigo Blue Dragonhead blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.