Water Smart Plant Picker

Popular large, accent shrub or small tree with attractive rounded leaves and unique flowers that resemble puffs of smoke. Available in both green and purple-leaved varieties and grown as a natural multi-trunk or as a standard.

Examples: C. c. ‘Golden Spirit’ (15’ x 15’) produces golden-yellow foliage. C. c. ‘Purpureus’ (15-25’ x 15-25’) has purple leaves that gradually become greener. C. c. ‘Royal Purple’ (12-15’ x 12-15’) has dark purple foliage and purple flowers.

South African succulent with fleshy foliage that varies from round and flat to cylindrical, and produces flower stalks above the foliage with bell-shaped flowers. Cotyledon orbiculata has rounded leaves and forms a large clump (2-3’) over time. C. o. var. oblonga has elongated cylindrical foliage.

Winter daphne (D. odora) is an evergreen shrub with lower water needs than most other Daphne species and is prized for the aroma of its flowers. Winter daphne has a reputation for being unpredictable. Plant in well-drained soil with part shade; water infrequently during the dry season to promote flowering in spring. Notable selections include the white-flowered ‘Alba’, ‘Aureo-Marginata’ with yellow-edged leaves, and ‘Leucanthe’ with white-throated pale pink flowers.

Group of highly drought-tolerant evergreen shrubs with long, narrow leaves and tall flower spikes from southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico. Dasylirion wheeleri is perhaps the most commonly available species for planting in Northern California and grows 3-5’ x 4-5’.

The bush poppy is an evergreen shrub with gray green leaves and yellow flowers. Dendromecon harfordii (Island Bush Poppy), is fast growing to 8-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, with flowers in spring and early summer. Native to dry slopes on the Channel Islands in southern California. Best near the coast. Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy), grows 4-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide and flowers in spring. Native to dry slopes in the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills from central California to northern Baja California. Both species thrive in sun to part shade with excellent drainage.

Clumping, cool-season grasses that grow over much of North America and Europe. Tufted hair grass (D. cespitosa, 1-2’ x 2’) is widely available and is also native to California. Tufted hair grass has flower spikes in late spring or early summer on slender stems that begin greenish gold and fade to straw-colored.

Small-to-medium-sized deciduous tree with both ornamental and food-production value and low-water requirements. Leaves turn a vivid yellow-orange in the fall before dropping to reveal orange fruits hanging from branches like ornaments from fall into winter or until harvested either by the homeowner or local wildlife. Many cultivars are available with different fruit characteristics and may be purchased either in a container or bare root during the winter months. Rootstock determines overall tree size and is typically labeled as dwarf, semi-dwarf, or standard.

Tough and adaptable, fast-growing evergreen shrub with willow-like leaves that is native to warm regions including the American Southwest and Hawaii. While the flowers are inconspicuous, they are followed by attractive, papery seed capsules. Purple-leaved cultivars are the most commonly planted, although green-leaved varieties are also available. D. v. ‘Purpurea’ has both green and purple leaves, D. v. ‘Saratoga’ has deep purple leaves.

Group of California native succulents with a characteristic rosette shape and chalky appearance that grow on rocky outcroppings and coastal cliffs. Provide these plants with good drainage and afternoon shade in hotter areas. Larger forms can provide a striking accent plant in summer-dry gardens. Plant Dudleyas at a slight angle to help water drain away.

Examples: Giant Chalk Dudleya (D. brittonii, 12-18”), Coast Dudleya (D. caespitosa, up to 8”), Bluff Lettuce (D. farinosa, 4”, forms small colonies), Chalk Liveforever (D. pulverulenta, up to 2’).

Perennial, low-growing, grayish-green groundcover from South Africa that grows to 2-3” tall and spreads to about 1-3’ over time. Yellow, daisy-like flowers add to the interest of this plant in the summer. Excellent between pavers or planted in mass to cover larger areas. Can withstand light foot traffic. Sensitive to frost damage in colder areas.

Echeveria (Hens and Chicks) succulents grow as rosettes of green to gray-green or bluish gray leaves and nodding, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in spring or early summer. Some species spread to form multiple rosettes, others remain solitary. Native to rocky outcrops in semi-arid parts of Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America, hundreds of cultivars can be found. Plant in cool sun or afternoon shade, with good air circulation and excellent drainage.

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) is a beautiful native perennial groundcover to sub-shrub of the California foothills and coastal areas. It is a perennial plant, notable for the many bright red flowers in summer and autumn. They tend to dormant in the winter, which is a good time to prune the old foliage to encourage new growth in spring. Easy to grow, will do best and flower most profusely in full sun. It can spread by seed and by rhizomes. Great for attracting hummingbirds. This plant is on several fire-resistant plant lists, including FireSafe Marin and County of San Diego.