Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

How far apart do I plant Star Flower/Blazing-Star?

Space Star Flower/Blazing-Star about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star hardy on the Front Range?

Star Flower/Blazing-Star is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Star Flower/Blazing-Star need?

It needs low water once established.

How long does Star Flower/Blazing-Star bloom?

Star Flower/Blazing-Star 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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Star Flower/Blazing-Star

Mentzelia decapetala

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

Star Flower/Blazing-Star (Mentzelia decapetala) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 28 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water28 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Cecelia Alexander https://www.inaturalist.org/people/aspidoscelis, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Photo 2: "Mentzelia decapetala - Cecelia Alexander 01" by Cecelia Alexander https://www.inaturalist.org/people/aspidoscelis is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en/.
Photo 3: "Mentzelia decapetala kz02" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 4: "Mentzelia decapetala kz01" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 5: Alaina Krakowiak https://www.inaturalist.org/people/alainakrakowiak, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Photo 6: Kara White https://www.inaturalist.org/people/kara_white

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
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: 28 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, early fall
Bloom color: white, cream
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 Star Flower/Blazing-Star good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Star Flower/Blazing-Star is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Star Flower/Blazing-Star get?: It matures to about 28 in tall and 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Star Flower/Blazing-Star?: Space Star Flower/Blazing-Star about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star hardy on the Front Range?: Star Flower/Blazing-Star is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Star Flower/Blazing-Star need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Star Flower/Blazing-Star bloom?: Star Flower/Blazing-Star blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.