Water Smart Plant Picker

California native, evergreen shrub or small tree often seen growing in Sonoma and Marin county wildlands. Lacy, white flower clusters in spring attract pollinators; red berries in winter provide a splash of color and an important food source for birds. The name “Hollywood” was born from the abundance of toyon in the hills of southern California and its resemblance to European holly. The cultivar ‘Davis Gold’ has yellow berries and may be more disease-resistant than the species.

Island Alum Root is a beautiful groundcover attractive to hummingbirds and other birds. It grows to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide with its large, bright green, heart-shaped leaves airy clusters of tiny, bell-shaped, pinkish white, early spring flowers. It is native to the Channel islands and enjoys coastal gardens. It likes cool sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Plants occasionally may need lifting and resettling as they tend to push themselves up and out of the soil.

Also known as “Cream Bush”  or “Sea Foam” this California native is known for its beautiful clusters of fragrant white flowers. It grows up to 3-10 feet tall and wide at a quick pace. Cream Bush is an attractive deciduous shrub, commonly found in forest and woodland environments. In the garden, it does well in shade or part shade and adapts to a variety of soil types. The lovely blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. After blooming, the seeds provide food for birds, and the plant itself provides shelter for birds and small animals.

Iris are a large and diverse group of perennials that grow from either bulbs or rhizomes. The California native Douglas iris and cultivars known as Pacific Coast Hybrids are an excellent choice for summer-dry gardens and understory plantings. Fall rain brings new growth in the form of thin, upright leaves, followed in late winter to early spring by the first blossoms. Douglas iris commonly ranges in color from lavender to purple, but cultivars are available in a range of colors including white and yellow. Established plantings can be lifted and divided after the first significant fall rain and either replanted or put into containers to share with others.

California gray rush is a go-to species for the summer-dry rain garden. It will thrive in moist conditions and its roots will help stabilize soil and filter stormwater runoff. It is also tolerant of extended periods of drought. Clumps of stiff, upright foliage provide an interesting contrast among other perennials. ‘Elk Blue’ is a widely available selection from Mendocino County. Its bluish gray foliage is shorter than the typical gray rush.

Mostly South African perennials with strap-like leaves and a clumping growth habit that are characterized by striking displays of brightly colored flower clusters on long, bare stems resembling red hot pokers. The majority of plants offered are cultivars of different sizes and various flower colors, including yellows and oranges. Sizes range from about 1-4’ tall.

Crape Myrtle has become a ubiquitous street tree due to its attractive bark, fall color, and flowers all helping to provide year-round interest, as well as being of manageable size and tending not to lift sidewalks with its roots. The most commonly available crape myrtles are Lagerstroemia indica and many hybrids and their shrub forms, which may be less prone to mildew than the species. Flowers occur in late summer in white, pinks, and reddish purple. Crape myrtles are naturally multi-trunked, and plants grown as standards with a single trunk have a tendency to grow suckers that should be removed.

Evergreen shrubs and perennials for hot, sunny locations available in both upright and groundcover forms that flower from spring to fall with colors including purple, yellow, red, and pink. Two species, Lantana camara (4-6’ x 6-8’) and L. montevidenis (12-18” x 5-10’), are widely available along with many hybrids and cultivars offering a variety of colors and sizes.

Small, slow growing evergreen bay tree or large shrub. ‘Saratoga’ has small, pale yellow flowers in the spring. Can tolerate poor soils but prefers well drained.

Slow-growing, Mediterranean evergreen shrub or tree with aromatic leaves used in cooking. Naturally multi-trunked so may tend to send out suckers. Often trained as a topiary in containers to provide a formal appearance. ‘Saratoga’ has broader leaves and an upright growth habit.

Classic, aromatic, Mediterranean evergreen perennial that works well in a mass or mixed planting in a sunny location with good drainage. Lavender flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, and seeds provide food to birds. Shear plants by one-third to one-half after flowering to maintain a neat appearance. Vulnerable to root rot in damp locations or if organic mulch is too close to plant crown.

Examples: English lavender (L. angustifolia, 1-2’ x 2-3’) and many cultivars, French Lavender (L. dentata, 3-4’ x 4-6’), hedge lavender (L. x intermedia, 1-2’ x 2-3’), Spanish lavender (L. stoechas, 2-3’ x 2-3’) featuring large and showy bracts on top of flower spikes.

Mediterranean evergreen shrub, fast growing to 6-8 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide. Large, pinkish lavender and purple hibiscus-like flowers from spring into fall. Excellent accent plant for a sunny location or part shade in hotter areas with good drainage.