Is Cliff fendlerbush good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Cliff fendlerbush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Cliff fendlerbush?

Space Cliff fendlerbush about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Cliff fendlerbush hardy on the Front Range?

Cliff fendlerbush 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 Cliff fendlerbush need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Cliff fendlerbush grow?

Cliff fendlerbush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Back to the plant finder

Cliff fendlerbush

Fendlera rupicola

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Cliff fendlerbush (Fendlera rupicola) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Showy white spring blooms; native to dry rocky sites.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: "Fendlera rupicola kz01" by 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 2: "Fendlera rupicola" 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: "Fendlera rupicola" 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 4: "Fendlera rupicola" 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: "Fendlera rupicola var. rupicola (19362832713)" by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 6: "Fendlera rupicola var. rupicola (19361188254)" by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: white
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Drought-tolerant once established; minimal irrigation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cliff fendlerbush good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Cliff fendlerbush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Cliff fendlerbush get?: It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Cliff fendlerbush?: Space Cliff fendlerbush about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Cliff fendlerbush hardy on the Front Range?: Cliff fendlerbush 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 Cliff fendlerbush need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Cliff fendlerbush grow?: Cliff fendlerbush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Cliff fendlerbush native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.