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Plant Guide

Best Plants for Aurora, Colorado

📍 Aurora, CO 🌡️ USDA Zone 5b 🌱 319+ compatible plants

Gardening in Aurora

Aurora falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, which means your plants need to survive winters with minimum temperatures in the −20°F to −10°F range. The 319+ plants below are proven performers for your zone — including deer-resistant varieties, pet-friendly options, and pollinator-attracting species.

Top Plant Picks for Aurora

Ligularia
Ligularia
Ligularia dentata
Bold, golden-yellow blooms brighten late summer gardens with striking, large purple-green foliage. This shade-tolerant, moisture-loving perennial thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and resists deer.
Zone 3–8🐝 Pollinator
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo Grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
This warm-season grass boasts fine, blue-green foliage that turns golden in fall, adding year-round interest. Highly drought-tolerant and deer resistant, it thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with minimal care.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†
Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Vibrant lavender-pink blooms light up summer gardens with a fragrant, airy charm. This drought-tolerant native attracts pollinators and thrives in USDA zones 3-9.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Limelight Panicle Hydrangea
Limelight Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
Showcasing stunning white to pink blooms from June to September, this shrub brightens gardens with its long-lasting color. Low-maintenance and deer resistant, it thrives in USDA zones 4-9 while attracting pollinators.
Zone 4–9🐝 Pollinator
Lavender
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Fragrant purple blooms light up summer gardens from June to August, creating a stunning and soothing display. This deer-resistant herb thrives in full sun (USDA zones 5-9) and attracts numerous pollinators.
Zone 5–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Camassia
Camassia
Camassia leichtlinii
Striking spikes of star-shaped blue flowers bloom in late spring, creating a stunning display from USDA zones 4-9. This low-maintenance bulb attracts pollinators and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle
Lonicera spp.
Fragrant pink and white blooms from June to September brighten gardens while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This low-maintenance, dog- and cat-friendly vine thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with medium water and part shade.
Zone 4–9🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Gladiolus
Gladiolus
Gladiolus hortulanus
Vibrant gladiolus blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and purple from June to September, adding stunning vertical color to your garden. Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, this sun-loving bulb thrives in USDA zones 4-9.
Zone 4–9🐝 Pollinator
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Clusters of star-shaped pink and white blooms light up late spring with stunning color and unique form. This deer-resistant evergreen thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and attracts pollinators.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Heart-shaped, deep green leaves create a lush groundcover that blooms with subtle, maroon flowers in spring. This shade-tolerant, deer-resistant plant thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and requires minimal care.
Zone 3–8🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Carefree Wonder Rose
Carefree Wonder Rose
Rosa Carefree Wonder
Vibrant pink blooms burst from late spring to fall, bringing long-lasting color to your garden. This hardy rose thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and is exceptionally disease resistant.
Zone 4–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Fringe Tree
Fringe Tree
Chionanthus virginicus
Fragrant white blooms burst in late spring, creating a stunning, lacy display that brightens any landscape. This low-maintenance tree thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and attracts valuable pollinators.
Zone 3–9🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator

Get a Personalized Plant List for Aurora

Answer 4 quick questions about your yard — sun, soil, deer pressure, and pet situation — and get a custom list of plants that will thrive in Zone 5b.

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Other Cities in Zone 5b

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Browse All 319+ Plants for Zone 5b

The 12 picks above are a sample. Use the full directory to filter by sun, water, deer resistance, and more.

View All Zone 5 Plants →

† "Pet-friendly" means not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs and/or cats. Always supervise pets around plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.