Low-Water Natives and Perennials
Given the ongoing significance of water conservation, the demand for plants that can thrive over extended periods with minimal water usage is highly significant. Fortunately, at SummerWinds, we offer a wide range of exquisite California Natives and Low-Water Perennials that not only thrive with reduced water usage but also enhance the beauty of our landscapes in California.
California Natives & Low- Water Perennials
10 California Natives
1. Narrowleaf Milkweed
Asclepias fascicularis
- Perennial plant - Native to California
- Narrow, lance-shaped leaves
- Clusters of small, fragrant, pink or white flowers
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
- Provides food and habitat for Monarch butterfly larvae
2. Hummingbird Sage
Salvia spathacea
- Perennial plant - Native to California
- Large, attractive, deep green leaves
- Showy, tubular, magenta-colored flowers
- Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators
- Drought-tolerant once established
3. Romneya
Romneya coulteri
- Perennial plant - Native to California
- Also known as Matilija Poppy or Tree Poppy
- Large, fragrant, white flowers with a yellow center
- Grey-green, deeply divided leaves
- Requires well-draining soil and full sun
4. Blue Springs Penstemon
Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs'
- Perennial plant - Native to California
- Compact, upright growth habit
- Vibrant blue-violet flowers with white throats
- Lance-shaped, evergreen leaves
- Drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators
5. Diamond Heights Ceanothus
Ceanothus 'Diamond Heights'
- Evergreen shrub - Native to California
- Compact, rounded form
- Dark green, glossy leaves
- Clusters of fragrant, light blue flowers
- Drought-tolerant once established
6. Erigeron Wayne Roderick
- Perennial plant - Native to California coastal areas
- Low-growing, spreading habit
- Gray-green leaves with daisy-like flowers
- Flowers have lavender-blue petals with yellow centers
- Tolerates coastal conditions and attracts pollinators
7. Deer Grass
Muhlenbergia rigens
- Perennial grass - Native to California
- Clumping grass with dense, fountain-like growth
- Silvery-green, arching leaves
- Tall, showy flower spikes in late summer
- Drought-tolerant and provides habitat for wildlife
8. Coyote Mint
Monardella villosa
- Perennial plant - Native to California
- Low-growing, spreading habit
- Aromatic foliage with minty scent
- Clusters of lavender to purple flowers
- Attracts pollinators and tolerates dry conditions
9. Spring Showers Ribes
Ribes sanguineum 'Spring Showers'
- Deciduous shrub - Native to California
- Upright growth habit
- Lobed, green leaves
- Drooping clusters of pink flowers in spring
- Provides nectar for hummingbirds and attracts pollinators
10. Carpenteria californica
- Evergreen shrub - Native to California
- Glossy, dark green leaves
- Large, white, fragrant flowers
- Blooms from late spring to early summer
- Requires well-draining soil and prefers partial shade
10 Low-Water Perennials
1. Bee's Bliss Salvia
Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Produces fragrant, lavender-blue flowers
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Grey-green, aromatic foliage
- Well-suited for rock gardens and slopes
2. Hummingbird Mint
Agastache spp.
- Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
- Produces tubular flowers in various colors like pink, orange, and purple
- Fragrant leaves with a minty scent
- Tolerant of dry conditions
- Prized for its long-lasting blooms
3. Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
- Fragrant, needle-like leaves
- Produces small, pale blue flowers
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Often used in cooking and culinary purposes
- Tolerates full sun and well-drained soil
4. Achillea
Achillea spp.
- Commonly known as Yarrow
- Clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in various colors like yellow, pink, and white
- Fern-like, aromatic foliage
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
- Tolerant of dry conditions and well-drained soil
5. Echinacea
Echinacea spp.
- Also known as Coneflower
- Produces large, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Tolerant of drought and heat
- Enhances pollinator activity in the garden
6. Butterfly Bush
Buddleja spp.
- Known for its fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds
- Flowers come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow
- Long, arching branches with lance-shaped leaves
- Requires well-drained soil and full sun
- Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages more blooms
7. Catmint
Nepeta spp.
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers
- Grey-green, aromatic foliage
- Tolerates dry conditions and poor soil
- Can have a cascading or clumping growth habit
8. Lavender
Lavandula spp.
- Fragrant flowers and foliage
- Flowers come in various colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, and white
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Used for culinary, medicinal, and decorative purposes
9. Lantana
Lantana spp.
- Clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Tolerant of heat and drought
- Can be grown as a shrub or ground cover
- Pruning promotes bushier growth and more flowers
10. Senecio candicans Angel Wings
- Soft, silvery-white foliage that resembles angel wings – velvety texture
- Drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance plant – requires little pruning
- Looks great in containers, as groundcover, in borders and rock gardens
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- While resistant to deer, it attracts butterflies and other pollinators
Low-Water Essentials for Perennials & Shrubs
SummerWinds Planting Mix
100% Natural and Organic all-purpose planting mix for flowers, trees, vegetables and ornamentals. Formulated for the Bay Area, this exceptional planting mix has received the CDFA seal of approval. Blended with aged redwood, rice hulls, chicken manure and feather meal.
- 2 cu ft. Bag
E.B. Stone Organics Sure Start
Sure Start is a blend of natural organic ingredients formulated for use when planting or transplanting plants. It's a gentle organic formula that will not burn. Contains mycorrhizae, beneficial bacteria and humic acid. Mycorrhizae: are naturally occurring fungus that attaches to plant roots to form a symbiotic relation with the plant. It’s like putting an extended root system on the plant!
- 4 lb. Package
- Feeds at a natural rate
- Provides a health ecosystem
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulching – or covering a garden surface with a layer of mulch material – provides many advantages to your summer landscape but the biggest and the most important advantage is retaining water and water conservation. When planting trees, shrubs and perennials, it's a wonderful time to lay down some material. Don’t worry, we’re here to help make sense of mulch!
Don't forget to protect with - Bonide Insecticidal Soap
Safe for indoor use and out, Bonide Insecticidal Soap will prevent and protect your plants from insects, even killing exising insects in minutes. A multi-purpose insect control for organic gardening is great to use to on vegetables, ornamentals, shrubs, flowers, and more.
