BO FIRESTONE
TREES & GARDENS
Certified Arborist since 2008
PLANT PROFILES
Key:
💧- Water needs/WUCOLS classification
⛅☀️ - Sun exposure
❀ - Bloom time/season of interest
ꕤ - Attracts pollinators
Perennials
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
Yarrow is a fragrant, spreading perennial that comes in a variety of colors. It is an excellent addition to any pollinator friendly landscape. Plant along borders or pathways in your garden. You can dead-head the flowers and pull off the dead leaves to encourage new growth and to keep neat.
Recommended varieties include:
Common Yarrow- white flowers
'Moonshine' - bright yellow flowers
'Terra Cotta'- yellow/orange flowers
'Paprika'- bright red flowers
California native
1-5' tall x 1-3' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full sun - partial shade
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Agapanthus
Lily of the Nile
A very popular plant with a neat, bunched look. The foliage remains evergreen year round, and its many flowers bloom in the summer. The fragrant flowers make great cut flowers, growing in large clusters on long stalks.
2-3' tall x 3-4' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full sun - partial sun
❀Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Anemone x hybrida
Pink Japanese Wildflower
These wildflowers make a great addition to your late Summer and Fall landscape. They stay small, and have large numbers of pale pink, whimsical flowers that have a neat appearance. Grow these in your garden beds or along the edges of your garden. They are low maintenance, but require regular watering.
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Summer - Fall
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Anigozanthos
Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo paw is a fun and unique addition to your rock or low maintenance garden. It has unusual, velvety flowers that come in several vibrant colors such as yellows, red and pinks. There are some tall and some smaller, dwarf varieties of this plant. Cut the flowers back after they bloom to maintain a neat appearance.
Recommended varieties include:
Anigozanthos 'Bush Gold' -
2-3' tall x 1-2' wide
Anigozanthos 'Big Red' -
4-5' tall x 2-3' wide
Anigozanthos 'Bush Pearl' -
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
A lovely dwarf pink variety!
1-6' tall x 1-3' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤ Attracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Callistemon citrinus
Bottlebrush Shrub
Bottlebrushes shrubs are the dwarf version of the larger Bottlebrush trees. They come in different sizes depending on your selection. They have distinct feathery flowers that grow in deep pinks and reds. These shrubs are evergreen and often bloom throughout the year. They make a fun addition to garden beds or along borders. Prune in the Summer.
5-12' tall x 5-12' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Dicentra 'Luxurient'
Fernleaf Bleeding Heart
This pretty, low - growing perennial has lacey, fern like foliage and clusters of pink bleeding heart flowers. The flowers have a long bloom time. This plant makes a great addition to the edges of your garden or along pathways.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun - shade
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Diplacus aurantiacus
Sticky Monkey Flower
Sticky Monkey Flower is a very drought-tolerant, spreading California native with long, evergreen stems and lots of flowers. Its leaves are slightly sticky to the touch, hence the common name. The flowers come in a range of warm colors including peach, yellow, orange and red. Hummingbirds and bees love this plant. Plant along the edges of your rock or low water garden.
California native
3-4' tall x 3-4' wide
💧Very low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Echium candicans
Pride of Madeira
This is an impressive shrub with large, cone shaped flowers. This is an evergreen plant that is a great choice for hillsides or slopes, and will grow quickly to fill space within your landscape. Flowers should be cut back after blooming to encourage new growth.
5-6' tall x 6-10' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Late Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Erigeron glaucus
Seaside Daisy
Seaside daisies are low-growing, perennials commonly found on the rocky coast of California. They grow in bunches with lots of pink or purple flowers and bright yellow centers. Plant these along the pathways in your garden or for a splash of color in your rock gardens.
California native
6"-1' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies
Eriogonum karvinskianus
Santa Barbara Daisy
This small, mounding shrub has lots of white to pink flowers that grow as wildflowers in California. They are very drought tolerant and low maintenance. Great for use in borders, edging, or as a ground cover.
California native
1-2' tall x 2-5' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Epilobium canum
(Zauschneria californica)
California Fuschia
With pale green leaves and red, tubular flowers, this native shrub is a great addition to any low-water, hummingbird friendly or rock garden. You should cut this plant all the way back in the fall to maintain a neat appearance.
California native
1-2' tall x 2-4' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Summer - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Freesias
Freesias
Typically grown as cut flowers, these have wonderful, brightly colored, and long lasting blooms. They are well known for their strong, sweet fragrance and multi-colored flowers. Plant several different colors of these in clusters and enjoy them in your landscape as well as cut flowers inside.
1-2' tall x spreading
💧Very low
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Germanium spp.
Cranesbill
Easy to grow with many flowers, hardy geraniums are a great choice for a variety of your garden needs. Some are excellent groundcovers, while others do well as a border or edge plant. They have different colored flowers and sun and water preferences dependent on variety.
Recommended varieties include:
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' -
1-2' tall x 2-3' wide
An outstanding variety! Recommended for use as a groundcover or border plant.
Geranium 'Rozanne' -
1-2' tall x 2-3' wide
An outstanding variety with a long bloom time. Recommended as a border plant.
Geranium pyrenaicum 'Bill Wallis' -
1-2' tall x 2-3' wide
An excellent variety for partial shade, use this plant along edges or as a groundcover.
4"-4' tall x 10"-5'wide
size dependent on variety
💧Low - Moderate water
⛅Full sun - partial sun
❀Bloom dependent on variety
ꕤAttracts butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Helleborus
Helleborus
Helleborus is a great choice for ensuring color and interest in your landscape year round. Starting in the late Winter or early Spring, it will come up before most of your other plants will. It stays low to the ground, and has blushed pink, purple, and white flowers with dark evergreen foliage. Plant this perennial under trees or on the shady edges of your garden.
Recommended varieties include:
Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' -
Cream colored flowers with a deep purple accent.
Helleborus 'Tropical Sunset' -
Yellow, creamy flowers with streaks of dark purple.
Note: This plant is poisonous - use with caution around domestic animals.
1-2' tall x 1-2'wide
💧Low-moderate water
⛅Full - partial shade
❀Late Winter - Spring
Deer/gopher resistant
Hosta Fortunei
Hosta
Hostas are recognized for their large, heart shaped leaves that add color and texture to the shady areas of your garden. They have long stalks with clusters of flowers that come up in Spring and Summer. This shrub is low maintenance and hardy, but you should cut the stalks back after they bloom.
1-2' tall x 1-2'wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun - shade
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
Iris douglasiana
Pacific Coast Iris
These Irises are a wonderful addition to any lush garden or meadow. They spread through rhizomes, and will come up year after year. You can separate clumps of them to plant in other sections of your garden if desired. Plant along your pathways for a bold splash of color. They are also appropriate for dry, shady areas of your landscape.
1-2' tall x 2-4' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring blooms
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Lupinus albifrons
Bush Lupine
This fast growing, native perennial is a wonderful addition to meadows, and low maintenance rock gardens. It has light green, silvery leaves and showy clusters of many flowers in a variety of colors from purple to magenta. Be careful not to over water this plant, and it is very low maintenance.
3-4' tall x 4-5' wide
💧Very low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Growing in the wild!
Penstemon heterophyllus X 'Margarita BOP'
Foothill Penstemon
Neat evergreen perennial with bright purple flowers. This shrub has delicate light green foliage and stays compact. It is a go to for your pollinator friendly gardens, and is especially loved by hummingbirds.
California native
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Polygala fruticosa
Sweet Pea Shrub
This small, mounding shrub has
lots of pink pea-like flowers that have a long bloom time, sometimes blooming nearly year round in temperate areas. This plant is evergreen and the flowers can be used as cut flowers. It should be watered regularly and it
looks great along borders or under windowsills.
3-4' tall x 3-4' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤ Attracts bees, birds
Romneya coulteri
Matilija Poppy
Matilija Poppy's impressive blooms are eye catching and love to be planted next to other tall shrubs for competition. They can take over in small gardens and should be given lots of space to grow. They are recommended for borders and along edges.
California native
6-8' tall x 6-8' wide
💧Very low water
☀️Full sun
❀Early Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Growing tall in the garden!
Salvia spathacea
Hummingbird Sage
This sweet smelling, showy sage is an absolute favorite for hummingbirds. It is a spreading plant, and can be used to fill in any gaps in your garden. This plant should be dead-headed after blooming to encourage new growth.
California native
1-3' tall x 3-5' wide
⛅Full sun - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Hummingbird Sage growing in a pot- ready to be planted!
Hummingbird Sage growing in a pot- ready to be planted!
Salvia sylvestris
'Blue Night' or 'May Night' Sage
This showy, herbaceous Sage has glorious deep purple flowers that bloom from early Spring into the Summer. This plant makes a great addition to any pollinator friendly garden, or on the edges or borders of your landscape.
1-3' tall x 1-2' wide
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Santolina chamaecyparissus
Lavender Cotton Santolina
This cute, low growing, evergreen perennial makes a great addition to your rock garden. It is known for its long, silvery foliage that looks good year round. It has little yellow button flowers that bloom in the Summer that can be used as potpourri when dried. You should prune this plant back yearly, in the Spring before it blooms.
1-2' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
Deer/gopher resistant
Scabiosa
Pincushion Flower
Pincushion flowers come in a variety of different colors and grow in a mounding pattern. Combine several different colors for an eye-catching look. They also make great cut flowers and will dry nicely. You should deadhead the flowers to extend their growing season. They are a great addition to pathways and borders.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Sisyrinchium bellum
Blue Eyed Grass
This small perennial shrub has many small purple/blue flowers that grow on long, thin stalks. It looks great along pathways or you can use it to replace your lawn alongside native grasses for a lovely meadow look.
California native
3"-2' tall x 4"-2' wide
💧Very low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Winter
Stachys byzantina
Lamb's Ears
Lamb's ear is a wonderful, evergreen perennial that has very soft, green, silvery leaves. This plant adds great texture and interest to any garden. It stays low to the ground and can be used for borders or along pathways. It is very easy to grow and requires little to no maintenance.
1-3' tall x 18"-24"wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Tulbaghia violacea
Society Garlic
This is a small, bunched perennial with a strong garlicky scent. This plant's structure resembles a grass with long, thin stalks and clusters of light purple flowers on top. Use this plant in landscape borders, edging, or as part of your edible garden.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Summer - Fall
ꕤ Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Woody Shrubs
Acacia 'Cousin Itt'
Cousin Itt Acacia
This evergreen, weeping shrub adds great texture to your garden year round. It remains compact and grows relatively quickly. This plant is very adaptable and can grow in a wide variety of conditions. Plant this shrub on the borders of your garden or on a slope.
2-3' tall x 3-4' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full -partial sun
❀Year round
Deer/gopher resistant
Arctostaphylos
Manzanita
Manzanitas are some of California's most beloved native plants. There are tons of different varieties and they are well known for their trademark red, flakey bark, pale green leaves, and clusters of white/light pink flowers. These plants are very low maintenance and require very little water. Your native garden is not complete without manzanitas.
Recommended shrub varieties include:
'Dr. Hurd' -
10-15' tall x 10-15' wide
'Sunset' -
4-6' tall x 4-6' wide
'Howard Mcminn' -
5-7' tall x 8-10' wide
'Kings Mountain' -
12' tall x 12' wide
California native
4-15' tall x 4-15' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Bloom dependent on variety
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Artemisia 'Powis Castle'
Artemisia 'Powis Castle'
Artemisia is known for its gorgeous, lacey foliage that is light green and silvery. It does have small, yellowy flowers in Summer or Fall, but they are not very showy. This plant is fragrant and is a great addition to your herb or garden beds. It should be carefully pruned before it blooms to maintain a neat look and to encourage new growth. Artemisia 'Silver Mound' is another great variety to look for.
2-3' tall x 3-6' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Year round
Deer/gopher resistant
Camellias
Camellias
Camellias are wonderful evergreen shrubs that thrive with little sun and in the shade. There are many different species of Camellias, with different bloom times and size of growth. They have very fragrant and showy flowers with a long bloom time.
Recommended varieties include:
Camellia sasanqua -
6-14' tall x 5-7' wide
A very high performing variety which is resistant to disease.
Camellia sasanqua 'Jean May' -
8-10' tall x 5-6' wide
A pale pink variety that blooms reliably in the shade and in the winter.
2-20' tall x 2-10' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Partial sun - shade
❀Spring - Fall - Winter
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Happy in the shade!
Carpenteria californica
Bush Anemone
With dark, evergreen foliage and sweet smelling white and yellow flowers, this shrub is an excellent choice for your native garden needs. It does well with some afternoon shade, and can be pruned for a neat appearance. Plant this shrub in a corner of your garden or use as a hedge.
California native
4-8' tall x 4-8' wide
💧Moderate
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Late Spring - Summer
ꕤ Attracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Ceanothus
California Lilac
A stunning group of native evergreen shrubs that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ceanothus make an excellent focal point in any native garden. Their foliage remains evergreen year round, and its fragrant flowers are brightly colored and have a long bloom time.
Recommended shrub varieties include:
Ceanothus 'Dark Star' -
5-6' tall x 8-10' wide
Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' -
12-20' tall x 10-20' wide
Ceanothus 'Snowball' -
3-5' tall x 3-5' wide
California native
2-20' tall x 4-20' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full sun - partial sun - shade
❀Bloom dependent on variety
Mid Spring - early Winter
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Cistus
Rockrose
Rock Roses are very showy, evergreen shrubs with lots of flowers that can be white to deep pink with a rich yellow center. They are great for use in your garden beds, borders, or as a groundcover, depending on the variety.
Common varieties include:
Cistus salviifolius 'Prostrate'
Sage Leaf Rock Rose -
1-2' tall x 6-8' wide
Recommended for use as a groundcover, with white and yellow flowers.
Cistus x skanbergii
Dwarf Pink Rock Rose -
2-4' tall x 4-5' wide
Recommended for slopes, with pale pink flowers.
Cistus x pulverulentus 'Sunset'
Sunset Rock Rose -
2-3' tall x 6-8' wide
Grows in a bushy structure with bright, magenta flowers, it will do well on slopes or in garden beds.
Cistus x purpureus
Pink Flowered Rock Rose -
4-6' tall x 4-6' wide
With gorgeous magenta flowers, this eye-catching Rock Rose stays small and shrubby.
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Summer
ꕤAttracts butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Describe your image
Eriogonum fasciculatum
California Buckwheat
These unique, branched native shrubs are evergreen with long, needle like foliage. The flowers grow on tall, upright stalks in a variety of colors, and have a long bloom time. It grows in a very diverse variety of structures, from spreading to upright. It is also low maintenance and hardy. Buckwheat is an excellent choice for rock gardens.
Recommended varieties include:
Eriogonum fasciulatum -
CA Buckwheat
1-6' tall x 3-8' wide
White Flowers
Eriogonum umbellatum -
Sulfur Buckwheat
1-6' tall x 3-8'wide
Bright yellow flowers
Eriogonum grande var. rubescens -
Red flowered Buckwheat
1-2' tall x 2-3' wide
Deep pink-red flowers
California native
1-6' tall x 2-8' wide
💧Very low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Eriogonum ovalifolium
Oval Leaf Buckwheat
Oval Leaf Buckwheat is a variety of Buckwheat that stays small and bunched with a neat appearance. It has silvery pale green leaves with upright flowers that come in a variety of colors. It is very low maintenance and is an excellent addition to your rock gardens.
6"-1' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Euphorbia characias wulfenii
Mediterranean Spurge
These are unusual shrubs that add great visual interest to your garden. They are a diverse group of plants that range from evergreen to deciduous, annual to perennial. Be sure to consider the details of your selection before deciding which one is right for your needs. Spurges are recommended for rock gardens.
Recommended varieties include:
Euphorbia cha. 'Tasmanian Tiger' -
'Tasmanian Tiger' Spurge
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
Euphorbia cyparissias 'Fens Ruby' -
Cypress Surge
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
Note: Euphorbias contain latex and
can cause allergic reactions.
1-10' tall x 1-8' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
ꕤ Attracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Fremontodendron californicum
California Flannelbush
This fast growing, gorgeous native shrub is an excellent focal point in any native garden. It should be given plenty of space and can be considered a small tree or large shrub. This shrub is evergreen and requires very little maintenance.
Note: This plant has fuzzy, flannel-like leaves that can cause skin irritation to those with sensitivities.
California native
8-18'tall x 6-10' wide
💧Very low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Grevilleas
Spider Flowers
These evergreen shrubs
have unique, spiderlike flowers that come in a variety of colors and growing structures. They have year round interest and can be used as a border plant or as a focal point in your garden. They should cut back after flowering.
3-10' tall x 3-10' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Hebe
Shrubby Veronicas
Hebes are a group of bushy, evergreen shrubs with unique cone shaped flowers. There are several varieties, some with attractive, variegated leaves and others with leaves that turn pink and purple in cold weather, creating interesting winter color in your garden. They are low-maintenance and can be used as a hedge or border plant.
Recommended varieties include:
Hebe 'Silver Dollar'-
Grey-green creamy foliage with a pink- purple tint in winter.
Hebe 'Silver Queen' -
Dark green variegated foliage with small bunches of purple flowers.
Hebe 'Emerald Gem'-
Bright, lime green foliage with great visual interest.
1-3' tall x 1-5' wide
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Hydrangea quercifolia
Oak-Leaf Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are beautiful, deciduous shrubs that have visual interest year round. Their foliage is beautiful in fall, as are the flowers that fade from white to pink. Plant towards the back or on the borders of your garden. These shrubs should be pruned after flowering to encourage new growth in the following season.
6-8' tall x 6-8' wide
⛅Full - partial sun - light shade
❀Year round
Lavandula
Lavender
Lavender is a classic, fragrant plant that fits into any garden. It can be used as a hedge or border plant. The vibrant purple flowers contrast nicely with its evergreen foliage, and if you dead-head after the first flowers die, you may get lucky with a second bloom.
Recommended varieties include:
Lavandula angustifolia -
English Lavender
1-3' tall x 1-3' wide
❀Early - mid summer
Lavandula dentata -
French Lavender
1-3' tall x 1-3' wide
❀Early - mid summer
Lavandula stoeches -
Spanish Lavender
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
❀Early Summer - Fall
Note: Spanish Lavender requires more maintenance than English or French Lavenders
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Lavatera maritima
Tree Mallow
Tree Mallow is a pretty, medium sized shrub with delicate, showy, light purple flowers. This shrub grows quickly, but does not have a very long life span. It is a great addition to the borders of your drought-tolerant landscapes and will attract lots of pollinators.
6-8' tall x 4-6' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Leucadendron
Conebush
This evergreen shrub has long, colorful stalks that bring unique interest and color to your garden. You can use the stalks for long lasting cut flowers, or use this plant as a screen or hedge on the border of your garden.
Recommended varieties include:
Leucadendron salignum
'Summer Red' -
3-4' tall x 4-6' wide
Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset' -
8-10' tall x 6-8' wide
Leucadendron 'Jester' -
4-5' tall x 4-5' wide
3-10' tall x 4-8' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Fall - Winter
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Melaleuca nesophila
Showy Honey Myrtle
This large shrub or small tree can have an upright or spreading structure. It has small, silvery foliage and little puffs of pink pom-pom like flowers that bloom nearly year round. Plant this shrub on the
side of your yard for a screen. It will tolerate light pruning to be hedged.
15-30' tall x 15-30' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Pittosporum
Pittosporum
Pittosporum is a pretty and hardy evergreen shrub that adds great texture and color to your garden. Size of growth is dependent on the variety you choose. Plant Pittosporum on the edges of your garden for a screen that stays green year round.
Recommended varieties include:
Pittosporum
'Creme de Menth' -
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
Dwarf variety with light green foliage and frosty white tips.
Pittosporum tenuifolium
'Marjorie Channon' -
8-12' tall x 6-8' wide
Great for a tall hedge, with light green, creamy foliage.
Pittosporum tobira
'Wheelers Dwarf' -
2-3' tall x 3-4' wide
Shrubby, dwarf variety with bright green foliage.
2-12' tall x 2-10' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty'
Potentilla 'Pink Beauty'
This lovely, delicate shrub is a rose look alike with impressive pink blooms. This plant tolerates light pruning and should be trimmed to create space for new growth. Plant as a centerpiece in your garden or use on the borders or as a hedge.
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Rhamnus californica 'Eve Case'
Eve Case Coffeeberry
Eve Case Coffeeberry is a smaller growing variety of the California Coffeeberry, and is a favorite for bird gardens. It has waxy, evergreen foliage and reddish brown berries. This shrub is a great choice for the edges of your garden, and can be used as a screening plant.
California native
6-8' tall x 6-8' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Ribes sanguineum glutinosum
Pink Flowering Currant
Pink Flowering Currant is a California native, deciduous shrub with large bunches of light pink flowers. It likes to grow in light shade, and birds love it. It will do well on slopes or on the edges of your garden.
California native
5-10' tall x 5-10' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial shade
❀Spring
ꕤ Attracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Rosemary is a very fragrant, evergreen shrub that is commonly used for culinary purposes. This shrub has needle-like leaves and pale blue/white flowers. Rosemary can tolerate heavy pruning and makes a great choice for a hedge or screen in your yard.
Recommended varieties include:
Rosmarinus off.'Ken Taylor' -
2-3' tall x 5-6' wide
A very well behaved and showy variety of Rosemary, great for use in your garden beds or herb garden.
Rosmarinus off.
'Lockwood de Forest' -
1-2' tall x 6-8' wide
An excellent low-growing variety, great for trailing over walls.
Rosmarinus off. 'Renzels' -
An excellent low-growing variety, great for trailing over walls.
2-6' tall x 2-5' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Winter
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Salvia clevelandii
Cleveland Sage
Cleveland Sage is a wonderful, aromatic sage that attracts bees and butterflies. It has dusty, light green foliage and light to dark purple flowers. It should be cut back in Fall to maintain a neat look and to encourage new growth.
California native
3-5' tall x 5-8 wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Salvia leucantha
Mexican Sage Bush
This easy to grow, showy sage is very attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds. It has long, fuzzy, purple and white flowers. The branches should be cut all the way back in the Spring. This plant is a great addition to your garden beds or borders.
California native
5-10' tall x 5-10' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Westringia
Coast Rosemary
Coast Rosemary is a lovely, upright shrub with great texture and small, white flowers. This shrub is evergreen with a more delicate look than traditional garden rosemary. It will do well with minimal maintenance and can be used as a screen or border plant.
Recommended varieties include:
Westringia fruticosa 'Little Smokey' -
1-3' tall x 1-3' wide
A small, compact shrub variety that stays nice and neat with white flowers.
Westringia fruticosa 'Blue Gem' -
6-7' tall x 6-6' wide
A larger, very showy variety with blue/purple flowers, recommended for garden beds or borders.
1-7' tall x 1-6' wide
💧Low water
⛅ Full sun - partial sun
❀Summer blooms
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Ferns
Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern
This fern is very hardy and versatile. It has large leaves and the foliage stays evergreen year round. It has a lush look, making it a great addition to any shady spot in your yard.
2-4' tall x 2-4' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅ Full - partial shade
❀Year round
Grasses
Bouteloua gracilis
'Blonde Ambition'
Blue Grama Grass
Blue Grama Grass is a dense, ornamental grass with unusual tufts at the ends. It is a great addition to any meadows, or to add texture and interest to your landscapes.
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
Carex divulsa
Berkeley Sedge
Carrex divulsa is an evergreen sedge that grows in small
clumps that have an arching structure. This grass is great for use as a lawn replacement, in meadows, or on slopes. It has long green to brown flowers that bloom in Spring.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
⛅Sun - shade
❀Spring
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
Japanese Forest Grass
This ornamental grass grows in wonderful, flowy tufts of yellow and light green. It adds great texture to your landscape, while remaining compact and neat. Plant this grass in shadier areas of your landscape.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full sun - partial sun - shade
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
Deer and gopher resistant
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink Muhly Grass
Pink Muhly Grass is a wonderful, pink, feathery ornamental grass that adds whimsy and texture to your garden. This grass is an excellent addition to the edges of your landscapes and rock gardens.
2-3' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Fall
Deer/gopher resistant
Muhlenbergia rigens
Deer Grass
This large, ornamental grass is a great choice to add interest and texture along the edges of your garden. It grows upright before fanning over, and should be given enough space to grow to its full potential. It is a great taller grass to include in your native meadows.
California native
3-5' tall x 3-4' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring blooms
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Succulents
Agave
Agave
Agaves are a very diverse group of succulents with gorgeous, spikey leaves that take many different forms. They come in many colors including greens, pale blues, yellows and some even have deep red tips. Their flowers tend to bloom only once. They are a go to for any rock or succulent garden. They require little to no maintenance and very little water.
6"-8' tall x 6"-8' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
Deer/gopher resistant
Aloe
Aloe
Aloes are wonderful, evergreen succulents with dramatic orange, yellow and red flowers. Unlike other succulents, they can bloom more than once, often once a year in the winter. They bring texture and interest to any rock or succulent garden. Aloes live a very long time, some reportedly living to 200 years old.
6"-10' tall x 6"-10' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Winter
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Calandrinia grandiflora
Rock Purslane
This beautiful, showy succulent grows in a mounding structure. Calandrinia's bright magenta flowers grow on long, tall stalks that have a long bloom time and a delicate appearance. This is a great addition to borders or rock gardens.
1-3' tall x 2-3' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
Dudleya
Chalk Lettuce
This attractive succulent grows in a rose shape and has a light, white powder on its leaves. It has long spikes of pink flowers that grow up out of its center. It is a great choice for any rock or succulent garden and requires little to no maintenance and very little water.
1-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year round
ꕤAttracts hummingbirds
Deer/gopher resistant
Groundcovers
Arctostaphylos
Manzanita
Manzanitas are some of California's most beloved native plants. There are numerous varieties, all known for their trademark red, flakey bark, pale green leaves, and clusters of white/light pink flowers. These plants are low maintenance and require very little water. Your native garden is not complete until it includes a manzanita.
Common groundcover varieties include:
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi -
Bearberry Manzanita
(6"-1' tall x 3-6' wide)
Arctostaphylos ' Emerald Carpet' -
Emerald Carpet Manzanita
(6"-1' tall x 3-6' wide)
*requires moderate water
California native
4-15' tall x 4-15' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Bloom dependent on variety
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Ceanothus
California Lilac
A stunning group of native evergreen shrubs that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes, Ceanothus make excellent focal points or eye catching groundcovers in any native garden. The foliage remains evergreen year round, and the fragrant flowers are brightly colored with a long bloom time.
Recommended groundcover varieties include:
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens-
Creeping Blue Blosson Ceanothus
2-3' tall x 6-10' wide
Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
'Yankee Point' -
Yankee Point Ceanothus
2-3' tall x 8-10' wide
Ceanothus papillosus var.
'Joyce Coulter' -
Joyce Coulter Ceanothus
3-5' tall x 8-12' wide
*requires moderate water
California native
2-5' tall x 6-12' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, birds
Deer/gopher resistant
Dymondia margaretae
Silver Carpet
Dymondia is a wonderful, foot traffic friendly groundcover that stays very low to the ground. It grows slowly, but will spread over time. It creates a cushion of silvery green that will eventually push weeds out from around it. It has light yellow flowers that bloom in the Summer. Plant in between pavers, or use as a lawn substitute.
1"-3" tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Summer
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Lantana montevidensis
Trailing Lantana
Lantanas are spreading, woody, evergreen shrubs that stay low to the ground and make great groundcovers. They have aromatic leaves and come in a variety of different colors. Their growth habit can depend on variety, so be sure to make the right selection depending on your garden needs.
1-2' tall x 3-5' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Year - round
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Myoporum parvifolium
Creeping Myoporum
Creeping Myoporum is a very fast growing and spreading groundcover with small white flowers and evergreen foliage. This plant can be considered invasive, and should not be planted in small gardens as it will likely take over. It is best used as a lawn substitute and can tolerate light foot traffic.
4-6" tall x 10-15' wide
💧Low water
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Summer
ꕤAttracts bees
Deer/gopher resistant
Osteospermum
African Daisy Groundcover
African daisy's have many flowers that come in many different colors as well as evergreen foliage. Most of the flowers will close at night with the exception of a few varieties. This plant is a great choice for a groundcover or along the edges of your garden.
8"-2' tall x 1-2' wide
💧Low water
☀️Full sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤ Attracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Trees
Cotinus coggygria
Smoke Bush
Smoke Bush is a large shrub or small tree known for its attractive foliage and puffs of smoke-like flowers. This shrub comes in a variety of colors, and is deciduous, with stunning fall color.
Recommended varieties include:
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' -
12-15' tall x 10-12' wide
A gorgeous, dark purple variety.
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' -
6-8' tall x 5-6' wide
A wonderful, lime green variety with pale pink puffs of flowers.
5-15' tall x 5-15' wide
💧Low
⛅Full - partial sun
❀Spring - Summer - Fall
ꕤAttracts bees, butterflies
Deer/gopher resistant
Acer palmatum
Japanese Maple
Japanese Maples are small ornamental trees that make a lovely focal point in your yard. They are easy to grow but require regular watering in dry areas. They have wonderful fall color and are deciduous, losing their leaves in autumn.
4-25' tall x 4-25' wide
💧Moderate water
⛅Full - partial shade
❀Fall
Shrub structure
Starting to lose its leaves
Shrub structure
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo
Ginkgos are ancient, magical looking large canopy trees with very unique fan-shaped foliage. They grow very slowly but will eventually become quite large so be sure to plant them with lots of room to grow. They are deciduous, their leaves turning to a golden yellow in the fall.
50-80' tall x 30-40' wide
💧Moderate water until established
⛅Full sun - partial shade
❀Fall
