Consider Planting These Plants That Are Native to California
California’s extreme heat, wildfire risk and extended droughts make choosing plants and keeping them alive a bit difficult. Because California’s climate isn’t hospitable to all forms of vegetation, it’s crucial that you choose plants and flowers that are native to our state.
The good news is that we have a vast selection of native plants to pick from! Keep reading to learn about planting these plants for the California heat:
Beardtongue: We have a ton of beardtongue flower species that come in a variety of different colors. These perennials bloom in the early spring and prefer to be planted in full sunlight. They also only require one inch of water each week, so keeping them healthy is a breeze.
Blue-eyed grass: This flower gets its name from the grassy leaves and blue or purple flowers it produces. The flowers bloom from late winter through the spring and add a wonderful touch of color to any garden. In addition to only needing a bit of water during the summer, these plants are fire resistant.
California cholla: Also known as a snake cholla, this cactus grows in long snake-like cylinders. Although the plant’s spines are painful to the touch, it produces beautiful yellow or green flowers with red accents. This perennial prefers full sun and hardly requires any water throughout the year.
California fuchsia: This native plant produces thin, bright red flowers each summer and fall that tend to draw hummingbirds. Unlike others on this list, planting these plants for the California heat requires a little bit of work. Be sure to trim the plant back to the ground after each flowering season to promote healthy growth in the following year.
California milkweed: California has many native milkweed species, which are all known for attracting monarchs and other types of butterflies. This milkweed has a white hairy stem with clusters of white, pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. In addition to enjoying its unique look, you’re sure to like having butterfly visitors throughout the year.
Buckwheat: The California buckwheat blooms in late spring and looks like a puffball due to its clusters of tiny white flowers. The plant keeps its flowers until fall, when they turn to an orange or brown color. Be sure to trim this shrub back every few years to promote new growth.
California gooseberry: California also has many native gooseberry plants. This one produces small pink, purple or yellow flowers along with fruits that are enjoyed by birds, bees and butterflies. Watering this deciduous plant during growing season is essential in keeping it alive and thriving.
We can plant all of these for you!
Instead of wasting your time planting these plants for the California heat, reach out to the team at RainforestLA, Inc. We’re experts at planting all sorts of different flowers, shrubs and trees that are sure to beautify your lawn while withstanding harsh California weather. Contact our professionals today to learn more about our services or to get a quote.