Is Red Feathers good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Red Feathers is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Red Feathers?

Space Red Feathers about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 14 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Red Feathers hardy on the Front Range?

Red Feathers is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does Red Feathers need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Red Feathers native to Colorado?

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

How long does Red Feathers bloom?

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

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Red Feathers

Pontechium maculatum

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

Red Feathers (Pontechium maculatum) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Plume-like spikes of rose-red flowers; biennial that reseeds reliably.

Plant Select®low water12 to 18 in tall and 10 to 14 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Pipi69e, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 2: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: (c) Bobo-X, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 5: (c) Bobo-X, some rights reserved (CC BY)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
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 10 to 14 in wide
Planting spacing: ~10 to 14 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: red, pink
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
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 Red Feathers good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Red Feathers is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Red Feathers get?: It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Red Feathers?: Space Red Feathers about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 14 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Red Feathers hardy on the Front Range?: Red Feathers is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Red Feathers need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Red Feathers native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Red Feathers bloom?: Red Feathers blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.