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| California's state flower: Eschscholzia californica |
Water conservation
has become a way of life for California homeowners. For the second consecutive year, the state has
been under severe drought conditions, with no end in sight. One of the conservation
areas homeowners can dramatically control is the use of landscape water. As fall comes to a close, why not swap out
some of your water-thirsty landscape plants with drought-tolerant specimens
native to southern California?
Compared to the usual plant choices at the local home center
nursery, California natives require much less water, no additional fertilizer,
and demand far less effort to maintain. Once established, they can survive and
thrive on natural rainfall, are resistant to pests and disease, and in the long
run, save homeowners time and money.
Native plants offer an abundance of texture and color in the
landscape. Many specimens offer dramatic displays that can also enhance your
property’s curb appeal. As a bonus, they
provide a source of shelter and food for neighborhood birds and pollinators
like honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
These plants typically go dormant during hot summer months
when they require very little water, if any. They are best planted in late fall
to early winter when soil temperatures have cooled and the plants are poised to
enter their growth season after Orange County winter rains.
Some excellent varieties for Orange County homes are:
- California lilac (ceanothus): This comes in a wide range of growth habits from low and spreading to tall and tree-like. The flower cone comes in colors ranging from white to deep purple. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and honeybees
- California poppy: The state flower; grows easily from seed scattered widely in the fall. It has semi-annual features in that it will die back after blooming in low- to no-water areas, but can remain evergreen if given regular water.
- Flannel bush: Featuring dramatic bright yellow-orange blooms, this plant can be trained to grow as an espalier. Grows best in poor, unamended soil. After first season, do NOT water!
- Lupine: This annual flower features tall flower spikes in a range of blues and purples and is often found in sunny open areas growing with California poppies. The flowers attract all types of pollinators and the seeds are a food source for some birds.
- Matilija poppy: Dubbed the “fried egg” flower because of its large white petals and bright orange center, this tall plant does best in full sun with room to spread. It does not tolerate summer water.
- Mexican evening primrose: A low-growing flower with pale pink, fruity smelling blooms. Good for hillsides in full sun and does well with low water.
- Penstemon: This low growing plant features beautiful flower spikes, ranging from pinks and corals to reds and purples. It is adapted to poor, dry soil, preferring full sun, but can tolerate some shade during the day. A favorite of hummingbirds.
- Purple needle grass: California’s state grass, this perennial grows in a medium upright bunch and is extremely drought tolerant. Its feathery purple tips move gracefully in the breeze and provide nesting material for birds.
- Sage: This aromatic plant does well in Orange County gardens. Purple to white flower spikes attract hummingbirds, honeybees and butterflies. Leaves can be used in food recipes. Does well with low water and unfertilized soil.
- Toyon: A large bush; makes an excellent background screen or can be pruned as a small tree. Produces white flowers in summer and bright red berries in fall; can be used in cut floral arrangements. Flowers and berries attract a wide range of birds and beneficial insects.
Not sure which California native plants to choose for
your home? A number of local botanical
gardens, arboretums and organizations offer a chance to see plantings of native
specimens, while offering native gardening advice and even periodic plant
sales:
Fullerton
Arboretum – Fullerton
UCI Arboretum
– Irvine
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
– Claremont
Theodore Payne
Foundation – Sun Valley
Already know what you want? Here is a directory link for native
plant retailers in Orange County and points beyond, provided by the
Metropolitan Water District :
http://www.bewaterwise.com/retailers.html#Anchor-Orange-47857
Nanette Shapiro
(714) 924-0781
nanette.shapiro4@gmail.com
