Is Showy Fleabane good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Showy Fleabane is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Showy Fleabane?

The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

How far apart do I plant Showy Fleabane?

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

Is Showy Fleabane hardy on the Front Range?

Showy Fleabane 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 Showy Fleabane need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Showy Fleabane safe for dogs?

No. Showy Fleabane is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.

Is Showy Fleabane deer-resistant?

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

How long does Showy Fleabane bloom?

Showy Fleabane 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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Showy Fleabane

Erigeron speciosus

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

Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. CO native; daisies with lavender rays and yellow centers; reliable pollinator plant.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water12 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs

Photos

Photo 1: Kor!An (Андрей Корзун), Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: Robert Flogaus-Faust, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)

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: 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: 12 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

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

Who else benefits

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

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

Planting & establishment

Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Showy Fleabane good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Showy Fleabane is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Showy Fleabane?: The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
How big does Showy Fleabane get?: It matures to about 12 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Showy Fleabane?: Space Showy Fleabane about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Showy Fleabane hardy on the Front Range?: Showy Fleabane 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 Showy Fleabane need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Showy Fleabane safe for dogs?: No. Showy Fleabane is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
Is Showy Fleabane deer-resistant?: Showy Fleabane is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Showy Fleabane bloom?: Showy Fleabane blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.