El Dorado California Lilac
El Dorado California Lilac

Red Island Buckwheat
Red Island Buckwheat

Penstemon
Penstemon "Margarita Bop"

Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'
Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'

By now, many of you know that autumn (September through November) is the very best time to plant almost everything; days are shorter and cooler, the ground is still warm and autumn rains begin. It's also the optimum time to "go native" and plant California native plants!

What are native plants? These are the originals; they were here before camellias, hybrid roses, hibiscus…So, why should we consider planting natives? Aside from the fact that restoring the flora that made California "golden" is important, there are other more practical reasons to consider native plants:
  • Natives are adapted to leaner, dryer, landscapes than found in the average garden. Hence, they don't need as much food or water once established.
  • Native flora attracts native "critters" like birds & butterflies, as well as other important creatures such as beneficial insects.
  • Natives grow in organic conditions, so the need for pesticides disappears.
  • Native plants growing together help to restore the soil; everything from earthworms to beneficial bacteria return.
  • Finally, natives can be attractive. Many of us enjoyed the incredible wildflower display this year. While much of the annual color show is over, perennial natives still create an evergreen show of textures, depth and scents.
We've made more room for our collection of California native plants. These sturdy, wildlife friendly selections would love to be planted in fall, with its promise of cooler, moister weather. As with all plants, deep watering and a little TLC for new plantings during the first season or two will pay off over the long term, ensuring plants will thrive in their new home. Here are a few staff picks to use in various ways in your landscape:
  • For Screening: Pacific Wax Myrtle makes a large evergreen hedge. Or try Toyon with its bright red berries.
  • Ground Covers: Buckwheats blaze with color when in bloom. 'Emerald Carpet' Manzanita stays neat. 'Diamond Heights' and Carmel Creeper fill in where needed.
  • Shadier sites: try California Anemone, Oregon Grape, Claremont Currant, Pacific Coast Hybrid Iris, Hummingbird Sage, Spice Bush.
  • Color: California Wild Lilacs bloom in many shades of blues and purples. California Fuchsias bloom with oranges and reds in late summer. Sages add variety.
  • Accents: Flannel bush lights up with large cheerful yellow flowers. Western Redbud is a graceful, three
  • season performer. 'Roger's Red' Grape turns scarlet in fall.
  • Grasses: Leymus 'Canyon Prince' adds a gray green note. California Fescue makes a full, round, knee high clump.
Natives are a Natural in your Garden!
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