You can grow almost anything in Southern California, except maybe reindeer lichen.
Bird of Paradise comes from South Africa. Bougainvillea hails from Brazil, and pampas grass is native to Argentina. They’re all familiar sights in LA-area landscapes.
But while many non-native plants thrive in SoCal’s Mediterranean climate, they may not be the best choice for your garden in terms of sustainability and maintenance.
Native plants, on the other hand, have evolved in California’s climate and conditions. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native species and provide critical habitat for local wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies.
Why Choose Native Plants?
Native plants — flora that naturally occur in a specific area — are perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. Here are some of their benefits:
1. Water Conservation
Many native California plants flourish in arid conditions, dramatically reducing your garden’s water needs. For example, native sages like Cleveland sage need minimal watering once established.
2. Local Wildlife Support
Native plant species help restore biodiversity, creating a haven for wildlife that might otherwise struggle in urban environments.
- Milkweed attracts monarch butterflies.
- California scrub jays love Toyon berries.
3. Low Maintenance
Tired of battling pests, fertilizing frequently, or replacing sick plants? Native plants naturally resist local pests and diseases, meaning less care and fewer chemical treatments. Plus, they align with regional soil types, meaning they practically care for themselves.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Since they’re already well-suited to the region, native plants require fewer resources like water and fertilizer, which contribute to carbon emissions.
5. Preservation of Local Ecosystems
Exotic or invasive species can wreak havoc on ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and disrupting food chains. By planting native species, you mitigate the spread of harmful invaders.
10 Popular Native Plants for Southern California Gardens
Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild rainy winters, is well-suited for a fantastic variety of native plants.
1. Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
- Why it’s great: Its fragrant, silvery-green foliage and purple blooms stand out.
- Perfect for: Attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds while requiring minimal water and maintenance.
Cleveland sage attracts pollinators and requires minimal maintenance.
2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
- Why it’s great: California’s state flower brings vibrant orange to a garden.
- Perfect for: Low-water meadows or borders looking for an accent of seasonal color.
California’s state flower bears vibrant orange blossoms in the spring.
3. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
- Why it’s great: These evergreen shrubs are hardy, drought-resistant, and feature stunning red bark and delicate flowers.
- Perfect for: Creating structure in your garden while supporting local wildlife.
Manzanita shrubs feature stunning red bark and delicate flowers, and can be pruned into small trees (sort of).
4. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
- Why it’s great: Sometimes called “California holly,” Toyon produces red berries in winter, providing food for birds.
- Perfect for: Hedges or privacy screens with year-round appeal.
Toyon produces red berries in winter, providing food for scrub jays and other birds.
5. Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
- Why it’s great: A versatile bunchgrass that adds texture and movement, deer grass is exceptionally low-maintenance.
- Perfect for: Modern, minimalist designs or as a soft transition between hardscapes and planting beds.
Deer grass adds texture and movement and is exceptionally low-maintenance.
6. Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus)
- Why it’s great: These tough, low-maintenance shrubs bear cheerful orange, yellow, or red blossoms.
- Perfect for: Adding long-lasting blooms to sunny spots in your garden.
Monkeyflower is a tough, low-maintenance shrub that bears cheerful orange, yellow, or red blooms.
7. White Sage (Salvia apiana)
- Why it’s great: White sage is famous for its striking silvery leaves and importance in Indigenous cultures.
- Perfect for: Dry landscapes and anyone looking for a distinct centerpiece.
White sage is an important plant in Indigenous cultures.
8. Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.)
- Why it’s great: Ideal for attracting native butterflies and bees, these hardy plants produce charming clusters of tiny flowers.
- Perfect for: Sloped areas or spots prone to erosion.
Buckwheat attracts native butterflies and bees and produces charming clusters of tiny flowers.
9. Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida)
- Why it’s great: Known for its striking green bark and yellow blossoms, Palo Verde is a drought-tolerant beauty
- Perfect for: Providing shade and a focal point in desert-inspired or xeriscaped gardens.
Palo verde trees have some of the deepest taproots in the plant world and are extremely drought-tolerant.
10. Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)
- Why it’s great: This flowering perennial brings gorgeous purple, blue, or white blooms and thrives with little water.
- Perfect for: Adding a color accent to shady areas or rock gardens.
Douglas iris is a flowering perennial that thrives with little water.
How to Get Started
Not sure how to incorporate native plants into your garden? Follow these steps to craft a sustainable, stunning landscape:
1. Assess Your Garden
Take note of sun exposure, soil conditions, and watering requirements. Native plants prefer well-draining soils and specific placements based on their natural habitats.
2. Plan Around Bloom Cycles
Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure your garden stays vibrant season after season.
3. Group by Water Needs
Place drought-tolerant species together and group thirstier plants separately. This makes watering more efficient.
4. Source Plants Responsibly
Look for local native plant nurseries or organizations specializing in ethically growing and propagating plants.
5. Start Small
If you’re new to native gardening, start with a few plants and build from there. This lets you experiment and learn what works best.
6. Welcome Wildlife
Add features like bird baths, rocks for lizards, or native nectar sources to create a healthy ecosystem.
Woo-hoo! Maybe your California garden with native plants will look something like this.
FAQs: Planting Native Plants
Q: Are native plants more expensive?
Native plants may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but they’re more economical in the long run, thanks to reduced water and maintenance needs.
Q: Do native plants attract pests?
On the contrary, native plants have natural defenses against local pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Q: Can native plants thrive in urban areas?
Yep! Many native species adapt well to urban environments if their basic sun, soil, and water needs are met.
Q: How do I know which native plants are right for my garden?
Visit local nurseries or consult online resources about plants native to your area to find species suited to your specific conditions.
Q: What time of year should I plant native plants?
Fall is ideal for planting natives in Southern California — it allows roots to establish during the cooler rainy months.
Q: Can I mix native plants with non-native ones?
Yes, but ensure that non-native species aren’t invasive and don’t compete with the native plants.
Q: How do native plants reduce water usage?
Native plants are adapted to the region’s natural rainfall and require minimal irrigation once established.
Q: Can native plants survive in pots?
Many natives flourish in pots, provided the containers have good drainage, and the plants receive proper care.