California’s challenging droughts and growing seasons have led to state laws that govern plant watering, which can damage your property’s landscaping. Fortunately, many native plants thrive in California’s extreme growing conditions, requiring minimal water, high sun exposure, dry soils, and adverse temperatures to flourish. To help you select the right plants for your property, we’ve compiled a list of twelve drought-tolerant plants that are perfect for California. One of these is the Matilija Poppy (Romneya Coulteri).
The California wild rose is a shrub that can reach a towering height of ten feet. You can spot these shrubs thriving in the foothills, coast, and mountains of California. One of its remarkable features is its fragrant red, pink, and white flowers that have five petals. These flowers can grow as singles or in blooms, adding a splash of color to any garden.
The California wild rose is a hardy shrub that can endure droughts and low temperatures. In addition, it can survive in areas with full shade. While it prefers to grow in moist soil, it can adapt to dry clay soils. Another captivating shrub that can grace your garden is the Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis).
The western redbud is a well-liked shrub among hummingbird and bee garden enthusiasts. This shrub can be easily found in California’s higher elevations, usually near creeks and canyon bottoms. With its beautiful heart-shaped leaves that change color from light green to dark, it adds an attractive tint to any garden. Its colorful flowers in pink, yellow, and red during winter and spring also make it a great addition to any landscape.
The western redbud thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers shade. It requires minimal irrigation to survive and bloom. Another popular Californian flower that is worth mentioning is the California Poppy (Eschscholzia Californica).
The California poppy is a resilient and quick-growing plant that can thrive in even the most severe drought conditions. It is renowned as the official state flower of California and can be observed flourishing in open fields, at sea level, and high altitudes throughout the area.
This herb, which can live for multiple years or just a single season, produces lovely orange and yellow blossoms all year round. These flowers prefer basking in the sun and require very little water to survive in California’s dry climate.
Another notable plant that grows within the region is Lemonade Berry (Rhus Integrifolia).
The lemonade berry is a type of evergreen shrub that can reach 30 feet in height and 20 feet in width. It’s primarily found growing in coastal canyons and hills in California. This shrub produces vibrant red fruits and dazzling pink or red flowers throughout the winter and spring seasons, which serve as a crucial food source for nearby wildlife.
Fortunately, the lemonade berry bushes are incredibly adaptable and able to flourish in partial shade or full sun, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. They can grow well in virtually any soil type present in California and require very little water to thrive.
Another excellent option for Californian gardeners is the California Lilac (Ceanothus spp).
Looking for a beautiful flower to add to your coastal home? You can’t go wrong with the California lilac! This shrub is perfectly suited to life in coarse-grain sand and loves soaking up plenty of sunshine.
Unlike some larger plants, the California lilac tops out at a modest 2-4 feet tall. But don’t let its smaller size fool you – this evergreen packs a big punch when it comes to its stunning blue flowers, which bloom in the winter months.
The California lilac is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It also prefers soil that drains quickly, which makes it a top choice for those living near the beach.
So if you’re looking for a flower that’s both beautiful and practical, the California lilac is an excellent choice. Your coastal home will thank you!
Homeowners in Northern California should consider adding Pacific dogwood to their gardens. This versatile plant can brave chilly weather, droughts, partial shade, and even fast-draining soil with ease. Its impressive size can reach heights of up to 65 feet and widths of 30 feet. Boasting large, white flowers with petals that can grow up to 7 cm, this shrub is sure to make a statement. While the pink-red berries it produces are edible, they’re not known for their taste. Another great plant option to consider is the Blue Field Gilia, aka Gilia Capitata.
The blue field gilia is a herb that blooms during the winter and spring seasons, producing around 50 to 100 small flowers per plant. It can grow up to three feet tall and offers a range of flower colors, including blue, lavender, pink, and white. To ensure optimal growth, it’s recommended to plant them in full sun with medium to fast soil drainage. This plant is native to many areas throughout North America and can withstand extremely cold temperatures as low as -20 F. Another unique plant worth exploring is the Chalk Liveforever, also known as Dudleya pulverulenta.
The perennial herb, desert mallow, loves basking in the sun and can survive on minimal water and arid soil. They are a low-maintenance plant, perfect for your home’s landscape. The desert mallow can reach a height of five feet and a width of four feet, blooming during spring and winter in an array of colors such as orange, lavender, red, and pink. Another noteworthy plant is the Hummingbird Sage, scientifically known as Salvia Spathacea.
If you’re looking to add some greenery to the shady spots in your yard, consider planting hummingbird sage! This versatile herb is well-suited for full shade, low-moisture conditions, and medium drainage. Plus, it can tolerate temperatures as chilly as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hummingbird sage is an evergreen plant that produces beautiful red and pink flowers throughout the winter, spring, and summer seasons. It can also grow up to three feet tall and three feet wide, making it a great choice for filling in larger areas of your garden.
For a different pop of color, you might also consider the Catalina Mariposa Lily (Calochortus Catalinae). This vibrant flower adds a touch of bright orange or yellow to any garden and is native to California’s Catalina Island.
The Catalina mariposa lily is a lovely plant that originates from southern California and flourishes in areas with low water supply and direct sunlight. This perennial herb can grow up to two feet tall and boasts striking flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and red when it blooms. With such an array of plants available, it’s effortless to find an easy-to-care-for option to bring more greenery into your garden.
