Water Smart Plant Picker

Group of evergreen Mediterranean shrubs and perennials with large, soft, leaves that display striking whorls of yellow or lilac flowers on long stems.

Examples: Jerusalem sage (P. fruticosa, 3-4’ x 3-4’) is the most commonly planted phlomis. P. italica (3-4’ x 5-6’) blooms with lilac-pink flowers. P. lanata (2-3’ x 3-4’) and P. purpurea (4-6’ x 4-6’) have purple-pink flowers from spring to fall. P. russeliana (2-3’ x 2’) provides a low, clumping form that spreads by rhizomes.

Evergreen, clumping perennials from New Zealand with dramatic, strappy, sword-shaped leaves that can provide contrast to other plantings or be used effectively in containers. Provide room for plants to reach full size and give some shade in hotter locations. Numerous cultivars are recommended over straight species and provide a wide range of sizes and foliage colors that include green, yellow, and red—many with some type of variegation.

Deciduous shrub native to western North America, including California, that resembles spirea with small clusters of white flowers. Prefers light shade and some moisture while getting established. Prostrate western ninebark (P. c. ‘Tilden Park’, 3’ and spreading) is a groundcover form from San Bruno Mountain.

Together with crape myrtle, Chinese pistache is a ubiquitous street tree in Sonoma and Marin counties due to its modest size, attractive foliage, fall color, and ability to withstand heat and drought. May be invasive in riparian areas. P. c. ‘Keith Davey’ is a sexed male that will not produce fruit.

Dependable, evergreen shrubs that can provide an effective screen or background plant. While most require moderate amounts of water in Sonoma and Marin counties, mock orange (P. tobira, 6-15’ x 6-15’) from Japan is perhaps the most drought-tolerant. Mock orange has a mounding form with whorls of oval leaves. Available in several sizes and with variegated leaves.

Examples: P. t. ‘Creme de Mint’ (2-3’ x 2-3’) is a compact form with white margined leaves; P. t. ‘Variegata’ (5-10’ x 5-10’) is a larger form with variegated leaves; and P. t. ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ (3-4’ x 4-6’) is a low-growing groundcover form.

Woody perennial shrub or small tree with narrowly oval, leathery, evergreen leaves. Small fragrant white flowers in the winter, that attracts bees, and blue-black fruit in early spring. Native to southeastern North America and west to eastern Texas. Best near the coast and in well-drained acidic soils.

Evergreen shrub, or small tree, with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves. Leaves have spiny, narrow spikes and white flowers in spring. In fall, there are reddish to purple fruits. California Native, specifically to coastal mountains and foothills.

Large group of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees that includes many ornamental species as well as others that produce edible fruit.

Examples:

• Apricot, nectarine, peach, and plum trees are all classified as having low-water use in Sonoma and Marin counties. Consult local nurseries for available types and specific growing requirements.
• Carolina laurel cherry (P. caroliniana, 20-30’ x 15-20’) is an upright, evergreen shrub from North Carolina to Texas where it grows as an understory plant. Its small, white flowers in spring are followed by small black fruit. P. c. ‘Compacta’ (10-15’ x 6-8’) is a popular smaller form.
• Hollyleaf cherry (P. ilicifolia, 10-25’ x 10-25’) is an evergreen shrub from central California to Baja California. Creamy white flowers in narrow spikes in late spring to early summer are followed by fruits that attract many species of birds. Can be used as a hedge or screen, as well as for erosion control.
• Catalina cherry (P. ilicifolia spp. Lyonii, 30-45’ x 20-30’) is native to the Channel Islands.

Deciduous shrub or small tree with striking trumpet-shaped, single or double flowers that are often red or orange, but also white or yellow, followed by edible fruit. Low-fruiting cultivars are available to grow pomegranates for ornamental reasons, but fruiting varieties provide a delicious addition to the garden bounty. Consult local nurseries for available cultivars.

Woody perennial, evergreen tree. Large, dense and broadly rounded with green, spiny margin leaves. Native along coast and coastal mountains from Northern California. One of the best local natives for large properties. Susceptible to Sudden Oak Death.

Woody perennial, deciduous tree. Slow growing local native with blue tinted foliage. Native to dry, rocky slopes in foothills. Not susceptible to Sudden Oak Death.

Woody perennial, deciduous tree. Large slow growing native with beautiful spring foliage. Large, glossy, green leaves with bristly tipped lobes. Large acorns within tree. Susceptible to Sudden Oak Death.