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water usage at full growth and diameter at full growth #876511

Asked July 09, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT

Sensation Maple
Radiant Crab
Spartan Juniper
Bosnian Pine
Baby Blue Eyes
Juniper Skyrocket Spiral


Lavender
Article Fire Dogwood
Butterfly Bush
Ornamental Grasses
Red Switch
Blue Avena
Feather Reed

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi John,

It's tough to say absolutely for water use, since many plants will use as much water as you give them (within reason)--determining the tolerances is not always the focus of horticultural research.

Of the trees you listed, the junipers are certainly the most drought-tolerant; requiring no supplemental water once established in most cases.  They are followed by the spruce, pine, apple, and maple in that order, and distantly.

Of the shrubs, the lavender is most drought tolerant, being accustomed in its native Mediterranean range to receiving no water during the summer months.  Good drainage in the winter is important, too--they don't appreciate sitting wet.  Butterfly bushes are reasonably drought-tolerant but typically require supplemental water; the dogwood will need regular watering.  The grasses you list (at least to look nice) are are probably similar in water needs, with the Avena grass perhaps having a slight drought-tolerant edge against the other two.

Information about size, which will depend somewhat on growing conditions, can be found in these CSU fact sheets, along with ample other information that you might find useful:

https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Large-Deciduous-Trees-Fact-Sheet-7.419.pdf

https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Small-Deciduous-Trees-Fact-Sheet-7.418.pdf

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/ornamental-grasses-7-232/

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT

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