Is Purple Prairie Clover good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Purple Prairie Clover is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Purple Prairie Clover?

Space Purple Prairie Clover about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Purple Prairie Clover hardy on the Front Range?

Purple Prairie Clover is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Purple Prairie Clover need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How long does Purple Prairie Clover bloom?

Purple Prairie Clover 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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Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

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

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water24 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 2: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 3: Courtney Celley/USFWS, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 4: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 5: Eric Hunt
Photo 6: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
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: 24 in tall and 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer
Bloom color: purple, pink
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
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 Purple Prairie Clover good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Purple Prairie Clover is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Purple Prairie Clover get?: It matures to about 24 in tall and 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Purple Prairie Clover?: Space Purple Prairie Clover about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Purple Prairie Clover hardy on the Front Range?: Purple Prairie Clover is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Purple Prairie Clover need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Purple Prairie Clover native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Purple Prairie Clover bloom?: Purple Prairie Clover blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.