planting & outdoor watering guide for the bozeman area

Planting & Outdoor Watering Guide

for the Bozeman Area

Spring/Summer 2016www.bozemanwater.com

2 | Planting & Outdoor Watering Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com Planting & Outdoor Watering Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 3

Summer in Bozeman, Making the Most of Our Water

During the warm summer months, we in the Bozeman area spend time outdoors tending to our lawns and landscapes and growing our gardens—all activities that depend on water. As a result, water usage increases significantly.

There are a number of ways to save water in your landscape, and there are some very good reasons to do so. Almost half of household water can go into our landscapes. That means watering your yard efficiently is one of the best and easiest ways to save water.

This Planting & Outdoor Watering Guide will provide you with tips and resources on ways to reduce outdoor watering while keeping lawns and plants healthy and beautiful through the year. You will find information in this Guide about:· Bozeman’s water resources · Soil – The importance of knowing your dirt· Planting – Creating and maintaining a

water efficient landscape· Lawn & Landscape – Watering for efficiency· Rebates and Audits – How the City of Bozeman

can help you save water· Plant Lists – Low water use shrubs, perennials, and

grasses

Bozeman’s Water— An Overview

Bozeman is a headwaters community, located at the very top of the drainage of the Missouri River Basin. This is great news from a water quality perspective. There are no cities or industries above us, so the quality of our water is extremely high. However, there is no upstream for us to get more water if supplies run low, so the quantity of water is limited.

Bozeman is in a semi-arid ecosystem receiving only sixteen inches of precipitation on average each year. Eighty percent of the city’s water comes from snowmelt from the Hyalite Range which feeds Sourdough Creek and Hyalite Reservoir. The remaining twenty percent comes from a developed spring at the headwaters of Lyman Creek on the southwest side of the Bridger Mountains.

Climate data tell us these supplies are likely to become less reliable over time. Bozeman is facing a future with shifting precipitation patterns—more moisture in the form of rain versus snow during shoulder seasons, warmer temperatures resulting in earlier peak flows and drier summers. Combine this with rapid population growth, and the City’s water resource managers face some interesting challenges.

Water Conservation The good news is that Bozeman has enough water for the next twenty years or so. After that, Bozeman’s water demand could exceed supplies. The City of Bozeman’s Integrated Water Resources Plan identifies water conservation as the single largest source of future water supplies.

Water conservation creates additional supplies by working with Bozeman water customers to reduce water used in and around homes and businesses. In this way, the City can meet growing water demand and cover shortages in times of drought with water that is already available for use. This is less expensive with far more environmental benefits than developing new sources.

For more information, visit the City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation website at www.bozemanwater.com and click the Water Conservation button.

Planting & Outdoor Watering Guide for the Bozeman Area


Soil

Healthy lawns and landscapes begin and end with the type and quality of your soil. Knowing your soil type and adding the necessary amendments to improve its quality is the key to efficient watering and amazing outdoor landscapes.

KNOW YOUR DIRTThere are three common soil types: clay loam, sand loam and silt loam. · Clay loam is sticky and easy to shape. It often requires

sand and organic matter to improve its quality. Clay is the gluey “peanut butter” of soils but it can dry to a hard, almost impermeable surface.

· Sand loam is visibly granular with no stickiness and it is gritty like sugar. Most sand loam will break up easily even when wet.

· Silt loam is the happy medium between clay and sand loam. Its granules are smaller than sand but not as small as clay. It is smooth like clay but breaks apart like sand.

Much of the soil in and around Bozeman is clay loam. These heavy, fine soils prevent water from soaking in easily. As a result, water quickly pools and runs off into the street and storm drains. This dirty water can end up in our streams. In other areas of town, the soil can be extremely porous. Bottom line: it is important to know your dirt and water accordingly.

FIND YOUR SOIL TYPEKnowing your soil type is the first step in knowing how to best water, plant, and maintain your landscape. To find your soil type, place approximately 1 tablespoon of soil in the palm of your hand. Add water 1 drop at a time and knead the soil to break down all the larger pieces. Soil is the right consistency when it is like putty. Refer to the soil types listed above to determine your soil type. For more information visit the Outdoor Resources page at www.bozemanwater.com (click the Water Conservation button).

GET AWESOME DIRTGood dirt has particles of varying sizes and shapes and organic materials which retain water, provide nutrients, and allow water to get to plant roots where it is needed.

Once you have an idea of what kind of soil you are dealing with, follow these steps for awesome dirt: 1) Begin with deep spading, plowing or rototilling to a depth

of about 6 inches to break up compacted soil.2) While tilling, add organic matter such as compost or

shredded leaves to improve penetration.3) Add soil amendments, as needed, for your type of soil.

For more information about soil amendments, visit the Outdoor Resources page at www.bozemanwater.com (click the Water Conservation button).

COMPOSTING SOILSCompost is all organic materials. You can purchase it or make it from leaves, lawn clippings and vegetable waste like peels and coffee grounds. Compost improves air circulation in clay soils and nutrient retention in sandy soils. Healthy plants in a landscape bed with plenty of good organic material need to be watered less frequently.

Most soils can be improved by adding compost, which helps retain water in the soil and at the plant’s roots. Compost can be added to flower beds or gardens and before installing sod or planting trees and shrubs. Compost can also be used as a top dressing on existing lawns.

Planting Does your yard need a facelift or are you starting from scratch? Choose drought tolerant and water smart plants for a beautiful yard that requires less water than a yard planted only with traditional turf grass. Water savings can be as much as fifty to seventy-five percent!

Drought tolerant gardens also require less maintenance, do not require fertilizers or pesticides, offer habitat for local wildlife including pollinators. If designed well, water efficient gardens raise property values which can offset the cost of installation and protect your landscape investment by drought-proofing it.

Lawn & Landscape


DROUGHT TOLERANT VS. WATER SMART PLANTSDrought tolerant plants will not require supplemental watering after the plant is established which occurs 2 to 3 seasons after planting. This would not apply during prolonged dry spells.

Water smart plants can withstand periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during hot and dry conditions.

See pages 7-15 for drought tolerant and water smart plant lists.

PLANNINGThe secret to a drought tolerant or water smart garden’s success is a plan. A little bit of time spent up front on a well thought out landscape plan will pay off big dividends later on.

Take time to familiarize yourself with drought tolerant plants available at local nurseries. According to the USDA, most locations in and around Bozeman are in hardiness Zone 4. Selecting plants that are Zone 4 or lower ensures that your plants are suited for Bozeman’s climate. Then, using graph paper, draw a map of your property noting trees, fences, walkways or buildings. Indicate areas of sun or shade which will help you determine plant selection and watering needs. Study the drainage patterns of the property. If you have a sloped yard, consider terraces to reduce erosion and soil loss from rain storms and outdoor watering.

Think about how each area will be used. Dining, playing, seating, pathways and visual barriers should be added to the plan. Areas to be left as turf should be easily mowed. Curved barriers are preferred over straight lines with sharp corners. Bigger shrubs and trees can be located next to buildings to offer heating and cooling.

MAINTENANCEGood maintenance is essential for a beautiful landscape but also for water efficiency.· Prune shrubs and trees when dormant. Pruning during

the growing season spurs growth and increases watering needs.

· Eliminate weeds early in the season. Regular weeding makes water and nutrients available to your landscape.

· Add mulch to your landscape bed (about 2 inches in depth) to hold in soil moisture.

· Check your drip system for leaks.

Water Efficient Lawns

We cannot control how hot or dry it is, but we can control how efficiently we water our lawns. Water is a limited resource in our dry climate. Using water wisely not only saves you money, but it’s the right thing to do.

SPRUCE UP YOUR SPRINKLERS!A recent survey indicated that seventy-two percent of all Bozeman residents have automatic in-ground sprinkler systems. These systems can save water—but only if they are maintained and operated properly.

Sprinkler HeadsThere are two basic types of sprinkler heads – pop-ups and rotors. · Pop-up spray heads deliver about 1.5 to 2 inches of water

per hour in a fan-shaped spray, or sometimes in a full-circle spray.

· Rotor spray heads deliver about a half inch of water per hour in a rotating jet of water.

Did you know?Pop-up systems that spray a steady fan of water can water four times as fast as rotor systems. If the soil is getting too much too fast, water will run off and be wasted.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES YOUR SYSTEM DELIVER?Each lawn’s water requirements are different, depending on the soil, amount of sunlight it receives and other landscaping factors. To find out how much water your sprinkler system delivers, take the Tuna Can Test!

1) Place 12 flat bottomed cans (tuna or cat food cans work) evenly across your lawn.

2) Run your sprinklers for 15 minutes. 3) Use a ruler to measure the depth of the water (in

inches) in each can and write it down. 4) Add up the amounts and divide by the number of

cans. This number is the average amount of water your sprinkler delivers in 15 minutes.

5) Use the chart on the next page to determine what your total watering time is each week based on the amount of flow in inches from the Tuna Can Test.

Sprinkler Run Times to Apply One Inch of Water Per Week

Average Sprinkler Flow (Inches) from Test 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

Watering Time (Total Minutes Per Week) 75 50 37 30 25 22 19 16

Lawn & Landscape


WAKE, WATER AND ROLLRoll up the water savings by applying these additional watering tips:· Water between 4am and 8am (water evaporates during

the middle of the day). · Turn off your sprinkler system when it rains or install a rain

sensor to do it for you.· Avoid watering during high winds.· Experiment with your lawn by watering in cycles—5

minutes on, 5 minutes off—to allow water to penetrate the soil and create a healthier lawn with less water.

· Try taking 2 minutes off the watering times for each zone. If that works and your lawn stays green, take off another 2 minutes.

· Water only when your lawn needs it. Watering 3 days per week is more than sufficient.

· Adjust watering times throughout the season. A good rule of thumb is 1-1.5 inches of water per week during peak season (July and August). Water less in May and June, and by Labor Day, reduce watering to once per week to prepare grass for dormancy.

· Check your sprinkler system for leaks, broken, and misaligned nozzles and repair within 7 days.

· Raise your mower blade! Keep your grass at least 3 inches long to keep the soil cool.

Did you know?If you step on your lawn and it doesn’t spring back, it’s time to water.

NEWLY PLANTED LAWNS – EFFICIENT WATERING TIPSTo efficiently establish new lawns without breaking the bank, those of you with newly planted lawns should water as needed for up to 21 days. After 21 days, routine watering can be reduced to no more than 3 days per week with no watering between 10am and 6pm.

Water Efficient Landscapes ____

Here are a few tips to ensure that your landscape beds are healthy and water efficient:· Trees have deeper root zones and require more water

than turf grass or shrubs and perennials. Tree root zones store lots of water and can be watered less frequently than smaller plants.

· Trunks and leaves do not carry water to the roots of trees or shrubs. Deliver water to the edge of the leaf canopy, known as the drip line, which is where the roots are.

· Shrubs and perennials like deep but infrequent watering.· Hydrozone! Cluster plants with similar watering needs

together in the same zones to avoid over and under watering.

Did you know?Most water evaporates before it ever reaches plant roots. A 2 inch mulch barrier around trees, plants, and shrubs will help them hold on to water.

DRIP YOUR WAY TO MORE GREENDrip systems deliver water directly to landscape plants, minimizing water lost to evaporation. They are also great for mulched beds because water soaks into the soil without disturbing the mulch.

This chart will help you understand how much water drip, bubbler and hose systems deliver to your landscape.

WATER SMARTER!· Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root

development.· Water no more than 3 days per week.· Avoid water pooling in gutters, streets and alleys.· Save water by keeping it from spraying on concrete

and asphalt.· If you use a hose to water, install a spray nozzle to control

the rate of flow.

Sprinkler Run Times to Apply One Inch of Water Per Week

Average Sprinkler Flow (Inches) from Test 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

Watering Time (Total Minutes Per Week) 75 50 37 30 25 22 19 16

Lawn & Landscape

Typical Flow Rates

Drip 0.5 – 4 gal/hourBubbler 0.5 – 2 gal/minuteHose 2 – 5 gal/minute


Lower Your Flow for More Dough

Keep your lawn green, save money, and get some cash back too. When you install qualified sprinkler products, the City of Bozeman will reward you with a rebate. But that’s not the only advantage—these steps can help lower your water bills without sacrificing your lawn.

ABOUT OUR REBATE PRODUCTS · WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers use

atmospheric data (local weather and landscape conditions) to make decisions about when to trigger a watering cycle and for how long to better match plants’ water needs. These controllers can be retrofitted to work with existing systems. Some are internet based and include apps to make it fun and easy to adjust sprinkler settings whether you are at home or away.

· Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles deliver water more efficiently than spray heads in which 50% of the water from a spray head is lost to evaporation and drift. Plus, they can easily replace your existing spray heads.

· Rain Sensors override the sprinkler system when a certain amount of rain has fallen to shut off the system. When the sensor dries, it opens the connection to allow the system to resume normal operations.

· Water use and water bills can be reduced with any of these rebated items.

· Sprinkler systems must be operating properly for these products to be of benefit. To qualify for a rebate on a smart controller or more than 10 nozzles, you must first check your sprinkler system or have one of our Approved Providers take a look.

Rebates are available for existing single family residents (single meter) and new construction who receive water for outdoor watering from the City of Bozeman.

For more information about the City of Bozeman’s Sprinkler Rebate Program, visit www.bozemanwater.com and click the Water Conservation button.

Sprinkler Audit Kit Did you know your sprinkler system can use more water in a week than your family uses for all its other needs in a month? Together, let’s find out how much water and money you can save!

Rent a DIY Landscape Sprinkler Audit Kit from the City of Bozeman or schedule a free sprinkler audit with City of Bozeman staff. (Space is limited for this service. First come first served.) Then, check out the City of Bozeman’s sprinkler rebate offers and work with one of our Approved Providers to upgrade your system. You will have the most water and cost efficient sprinkler system on the block! For more information about renting an audit kit, scheduling an audit, or working with one of our approved providers, visit www.bozemanwater.com and click the Water Conservation button.

Lawn & Landscape

WE’RE WATCHING OUR WATER.

YOU CAN TOO!CONTACT THE CITY OF BOZEMAN FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HOME IRRIGATION AUDITS.WWW.BOZEMANWATER.COM

Sprinkler Rebates

Products (see below for more info) Rebate Amount*

WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers $250 or 50% of retail price**

Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles

$5/nozzle or 50% of retail price of each nozzle (min. of 5)**

Rain Sensors $50 or 50% of retail price***rebate amounts differ for new construction

**whichever is less


No. Common Name Scientific Name Notes

1. Rabbit Brush Green* Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Benefits from annual pruning to keep it from sprawling.

2. Sumac Trilobe* Rhus trilobataStays low in the wild but will grow tall in landscape situations, prune lower branches for specimen plant.

3. Sumac 'Grow Low' Rhus aromatica Nice low growing shrub, shiny green leaves.

4. Yucca, Great Plains* Yucca glauca Very drought tolerant, will form colonies.

5. Sagebrush, Big* Artemisia tridentata Can be pruned over time to keep interesting habit.

6. Rabbitbrush, Silver* Chrysothamnus nauseosus Benefits from annual pruning to keep it dense.

7. Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue Chrysothamnus nauseosus nana Stays dense and low without pruning.

8. Rose Harison's Yellow Rosa harisoniiOften found naturalized in historical landscapes, does spread by suckers.

9. Caragana, Siberian Caragana arborescensUsed as a hedge or windbreak plant. Yellow flowers attract hummingbirds.

10. Caragana Pygmy Caragana pygmaea Fine textured, lower growing caragana, yellow flowers.

11. Sandcherry, Western Prunus besseyiEarly white flowers in spring and edible berries. 'Pawnee Buttes' is low growing spreader.

12. Potentilla* Potentilla fruticosa Actually not a prairie plant, native to higher foothills.

13. Golden Currant* Ribes aureumCan be pruned into a medium height hedge, early blooms benefit pollinators, good for windbreak if planted densely.

14. Kinnickinnick* Arctostaphylos uva- ursi Spreading groundcover, one of our only broadleaf evergreens.

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.

*indicates plants native to Montana.

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued on p. 8)

1 3 11 13

Plant Lists

WE’RE WATCHING OUR WATER.

YOU CAN TOO!CONTACT THE CITY OF BOZEMAN FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HOME IRRIGATION AUDITS.WWW.BOZEMANWATER.COM


Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Lilacs Syringa vulgarisOlder plants can tolerate long dry spells. Leaves will begin to wilt but plant often survives. It can be grown in full shade.

2. Golden Currant* Ribes aureum Can grow a bit lanky without sun, responds to pruning.

3. Oregon Grape* Berberis repensHolly like foliage, somewhat evergreen. Foliage can brown over winter but pruning will renew.


5. Sumac ‘Grow Low’ Rhus aromatica Best if has some hours of sun.

6. Chokecherry* Prunus virginiana Can tolerate full shade.

7. Juniper Common* Juniperus communis Can also take shade.


16. Buffaloberry, Silver* Sheperdia argenteaCan be pruned at bottom to create a nice specimen, does sucker, edible berries and silver leaf color.

17. Juniper Low Spreading* Juniperous horizontalis Very low growing groundcover.

18. Juniper Common* Juniperus communis Juniper with softer foliage, nice low habit.

19. Chokecherry Prunus virginianaTall shrub with white flowers and edible berries, will sucker but can be pruned into specimen small tree.

Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued)

15 16 17

1 4 6


Plant Lists




1. Lilacs Syringa vulgarisOlder plants can tolerate long dry spells. Leaves will begin to wilt but plant often survives. It can be grown in full shade.

2. Golden Currant* Ribes aureum Can grow a bit lanky without sun, responds to pruning.



5. Sumac ‘Grow Low’ Rhus aromatica Best if has some hours of sun.

6. Chokecherry* Prunus virginiana Can tolerate full shade.

7. Juniper Common* Juniperus communis Can also take shade.

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Sedum: hardy cultivars Sedum species

2. Penstemon* native Penstemon species Littleleaf (P. procerus) is longest lived.

3. Penstemon Rocky Mountain Penstemon strictus

4. Buckwheat Sulfur* Eriogonum umbellatum Forms tight mat over time, 'Kannah Creek' is a good cultivator.

5. Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia Tall plant with silver foliage and lavender like flowers.

6. Purple Coneflower* Echinacea pallida and angustifolia Great plant for butterflies.

7. Pearly Everlasting* Anaphalis margaritaceaLong lived, will form a large mound over time, needs good drainage.

8. Peony, Old Fashioned Peonia hybridsEven though they might not grow as large or bear as many flowers, this plant can survive without supplemental water.

9. Yarrow, Moonshine Achillea hybridSeems to be very drought tolerant, does not spread like the native yarrow.

10. Gayfeather, Dotted* Liatris punctataNeeds good drainage but once established can be long lived, late blooming.

11. Iris, Bearded Iris hybridsCan take very dry conditions, needs to be divided when they form tight clumps.

12. Hollyhocks Alcea hybrids Alcea rugosa is longest lived.


16. Buffaloberry, Silver* Sheperdia argenteaCan be pruned at bottom to create a nice specimen, does sucker, edible berries and silver leaf color.

17. Juniper Low Spreading* Juniperous horizontalis Very low growing groundcover.

18. Juniper Common* Juniperus communis Juniper with softer foliage, nice low habit.

19. Chokecherry Prunus virginianaTall shrub with white flowers and edible berries, will sucker but can be pruned into specimen small tree.

1 2 5 6

9 11*indicates plants native to Montana.


Plant Lists


Drought Tolerant Perennials for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Snow on the Mountain Aegopodium podagrariaBorders on invasive, needs to be in contained area but will grow in difficult dry shade.

2. Violet, Canadian* Viola canadensis Grows in shade, can go dormant without water but persists.

3. Columbine, Yellow Aquilegia chrysantha Columbines are amazingly drought tolerant.

4. Columbine, Colorado Blue* Aquilegia coerulea

5. Pussytoes* Antennaria species Low silver leaf groundcover.

6. Penstemon Little Flowered* Penstemon procerus Mat forming, early bloom.

7. Roundleaf Alumroot* Heuchera cylindrica Great garden plant, long blooming and good foliage.

Drought Tolerant Grasses The grasses contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Bluebunch Wheatgrass* Pseudoroegneria spicata Montana state grass, upright.

2. Little Bluestem* Schizachyrim scopariumWarm Season grass, so greens up a bit later in spring, red fall color.

3. Prairie Dropseed* Sporobolus heterolepsis Warm Season, low growing.

4. Idaho Fescue* Festuca idahoensisLow growing, grass that is common in native grass areas in valleys.

1 4 5 6


Plant Lists


Drought Tolerant Perennials for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Snow on the Mountain Aegopodium podagrariaBorders on invasive, needs to be in contained area but will grow in difficult dry shade.

2. Violet, Canadian* Viola canadensis Grows in shade, can go dormant without water but persists.

3. Columbine, Yellow Aquilegia chrysantha Columbines are amazingly drought tolerant.

4. Columbine, Colorado Blue* Aquilegia coerulea

5. Pussytoes* Antennaria species Low silver leaf groundcover.

6. Penstemon Little Flowered* Penstemon procerus Mat forming, early bloom.

7. Roundleaf Alumroot* Heuchera cylindrica Great garden plant, long blooming and good foliage.

Drought Tolerant Grasses The grasses contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established 2-3 years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought.


1. Bluebunch Wheatgrass* Pseudoroegneria spicata Montana state grass, upright.

2. Little Bluestem* Schizachyrim scopariumWarm Season grass, so greens up a bit later in spring, red fall color.

3. Prairie Dropseed* Sporobolus heterolepsis Warm Season, low growing.

4. Idaho Fescue* Festuca idahoensisLow growing, grass that is common in native grass areas in valleys.

1 2 3 4


Plant Lists



Full S

un

1. Serviceberry, Western* Amelanchier alnifoliaEarly white flowers and edible berries, slightly suckering but can be contained.

2. Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'* Philadelphus lewisii Fragrant white flowers.

3. Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’* Spiraea betulifoliaGreat small shrub with white flowers and good fall color.

4. Fernbush Chamaebatiaria millefoliumSoft fern-like foliage and white flowers. Uncommon but does well.

5. Apache Plume Fallugia paradoxaVery irregular shape, white flowers form silky seed heads all season.

6. Lilacs Syringa species Lots of variety in sizes and flower color.


Part

Sun

an

d Sh

ade

7. Daphne 'Carol Daphne' Daphne x burkwoodiiLikes morning sun. Variegated foliage and fragrant pink flowers.

8. Currant Greenmound Ribes alpinumCan also take sun. Dense, even grower, short mounding shrub.

Water Smart Perennials for Full Sun Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

Water Smart Shrubs for Full Sun and Part Sun and Shade Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

1 2 3 4

7 8


Plant Lists



Full S

un

1. Serviceberry, Western* Amelanchier alnifoliaEarly white flowers and edible berries, slightly suckering but can be contained.

2. Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'* Philadelphus lewisii Fragrant white flowers.

3. Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’* Spiraea betulifoliaGreat small shrub with white flowers and good fall color.

4. Fernbush Chamaebatiaria millefoliumSoft fern-like foliage and white flowers. Uncommon but does well.

5. Apache Plume Fallugia paradoxaVery irregular shape, white flowers form silky seed heads all season.

6. Lilacs Syringa species Lots of variety in sizes and flower color.


Part

Sun

an

d Sh

ade

7. Daphne 'Carol Daphne' Daphne x burkwoodiiLikes morning sun. Variegated foliage and fragrant pink flowers.

8. Currant Greenmound Ribes alpinumCan also take sun. Dense, even grower, short mounding shrub.

Water Smart Perennials for Full Sun Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.


1. Alyssum 'Basket of Gold' Aurina saxatillisLikes good drainage, can spread by seedlings but not aggressive.

2. Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Lots of cultivators available, some less hardy and long lived.

3. Penstemon Pineleaf Penstemon pinifoliusLikes good drainage and low water, striking orange flowers later in season.

4. Meadow Sage Salvia nemorosa Long lived and hardy, lots of cultivators.

5. Butterflyweed* Asclepias tuberosaBright orange flowers, needs well drained soil, spreads somewhat but not in any way invasive.

6. Catmint Nepeta faassenii Long blooming, likes dry hot places.

7. Evening Primrose Oenothera missouriensis Large yellow flowers in mid summer, low growing.

8. Soapwort ‘Max Frei’ Saponaria lempergii Dusty pink flowers in late summer, low growing.

9. Lewis Flax Linum lewisii Semi-evergreen. Blue flowers. Good erosion control.

1 3 4 5

6 7 8



Plant Lists



1. Geranium White Geranium macrorrhizum album Nice under trees.

2. Coral Bells 'Snow Angel' Heuchera sanguinea Interesting variegated foliage.

3. Harebells* Campanula rotundifolia Forms colonies, delicate blue flowers.

4. Pasqueflower* Anemone patensOne of the earliest bloomers, crocus like flowers, silky seedheads, good foliage the rest of season.

5. Lamium 'Hermans Pride' Lamium galeobdolon Variegated foliage and yellow flowers.

Water Smart Perennials for Part Sun and Shade ________ Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

1 2 3 4

5


Plant Lists



1. Geranium White Geranium macrorrhizum album Nice under trees.

2. Coral Bells 'Snow Angel' Heuchera sanguinea Interesting variegated foliage.

3. Harebells* Campanula rotundifolia Forms colonies, delicate blue flowers.

4. Pasqueflower* Anemone patensOne of the earliest bloomers, crocus like flowers, silky seedheads, good foliage the rest of season.

5. Lamium 'Hermans Pride' Lamium galeobdolon Variegated foliage and yellow flowers.


1. Feather Reedgrass Calamagrostis x acutifloraKarl Foerster, El Durado, Avalanche all good upright bunch grasses.

2. Blue Fescue Festuca glauca Blue foliage, short stature, can be short lived.

3. Tufted Hairgrass* Deschampsia cespitosa Lacey seed heads.

4. Switchgrass* Panicum virgatum Tall upright Northwind is less prone to toppling.

Water Smart Perennials for Part Sun and Shade ________ Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

Water Smart Grasses to use with Water Smart Perennials ________ Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions.

1 2 3 4



Plant Lists

Bozeman’s Water Conservation Division would like to thank everyone making choices to save water—particularly to those who participate in

the City’s rebate programs and put the tips and information to good use. While we have only scratched the surface, your contributions help to

secure our water supplies now and for the future. For those of you who have not yet taken the plunge, what are you waiting for?

Start saving water, energy and money today!

City of Bozeman, Water Conservation Division20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715

406.582.2280 · [email protected]

Living in a semi-arid environment like Bozeman, our water is too valuable to waste. The City of Bozeman’s

Water Conservation Division is here to help.

We want to encourage residents to continue to conserve as we strive to provide Bozeman with the highest quality water

in Montana. We can’t do this alone. We ask that you do your part and become members of Bozeman’s water smart community.

By using the rebates and resources available through the City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation Division, you’ll help save water for current and future needs, save money on your monthly water and energy bills, preserve the environment and delay or eliminate the need for costly

new sources of water and infrastructure upgrades.

planting & outdoor watering guide for the bozeman area

Documents