Cliff fendlerbush
Fendlera rupicola
Cliff fendlerbush (Fendlera rupicola) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Showy white spring blooms; native to dry rocky sites.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
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 5–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 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
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
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 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 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 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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.
- Is Cliff fendlerbush deer-resistant?
- Cliff fendlerbush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Cliff fendlerbush a good firewise plant near the house?
- Cliff fendlerbush is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
