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.

Also known as “Cream Bush,” “Arrowwood,” or “Ironwood,” this California native is known for its beautiful clusters of fragrant white flowers. Its wood is strong enough that it was historically used by indigenous peoples to fashion arrows, nails, and other tools. It grows up to 3-10 feet tall and wide at a quick pace. The plant is hardy, doing well in shade to part shade and most soils. It is a coastal plant that enjoys a bit of damp cold, but can also do well in dry climates.

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 bay tree or large shrub. ‘Saratoga’ in the late winter/early spring display small, pale yellow flowers. Can tolerate poor soils but prefers well drained. Leaves have culinary value and are resistant to insect problems.

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, small, Mediterranean evergreen shrub that works well in a mass or mixed planting in a sunny location with good drainage. Blue-to-purple 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.

Large, fast-growing, Mediterranean evergreen shrub with 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.

Aloysia citriodora is a fast growing, evergreen shrub. They can reach to 6 feet or more once completely grown. These have a unique lemon scent, it brings a bright zesty smell and taste rather than other lemony herbs. The plant brings beauty to a landscape with its refreshing scent as well as the white and purple colors to compliment the scenery.