New Mexico privet
Forestiera neomexicana
New Mexico privet (Forestiera neomexicana) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to part. Native hedge alternative. Takes shearing. Bright yellow fall color.
Colorado nativelow water6–12 ft tall and 6–10 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Forestiera neomexicana
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 6–12 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun to part
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Good for
- hellstrip
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer; minimal after. Tolerates poor soil and salt.
Frequently asked questions
- Is New Mexico privet good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. New Mexico privet is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does New Mexico privet get?
- It matures to about 6–12 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.
- How much water does New Mexico privet need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is New Mexico privet native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
