California Natives In Containers
By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener
The loss of an aging, yet significant shade structure in my full-sun backyard, which has little in-ground growing space, started me on a learning adventure to see what native plants I could grow successfully. My criteria included sun-tolerant native plants with seasonable blooms, that will grow successfully in colorful ceramic pots.
Here are some tips I've learned so far on my journey:
Container: Size and material matter. Ceramic pots with drainage holes work well as long as watering needs of plant are closely monitored. Choose a container size to allow for relocating seasonally as sun position changes and frost potential is factored in. Metal troughs may absorb way too much heat, while wine barrels might work well, but neither can be moved easily.
Plants: I've chosen native plants (in one-gallon containers if purchased), planted singly in 3-10 gallon ceramic pots. One can group several varieties of plants together in a container, but I find it easier to evaluate my plant's condition as it grows solo in its own pot. Choose plants that need full sun, keeping an eye to what season they bloom in, the texture of the leaves, and color of blooms.
Preparation: Planted in-ground, many natives do not have special soil requirements, as long as it's well-draining. Purchased potting soil is very different from the native soil these plants have adapted to. However, a commercial potting mix for succulents can provide native plants the nutrients and the appropriate moisture retention they need.
Observe: Develop a watering strategy that meets the plant's changing needs throughout the year in your area of the county. Once the soil is dry two inches below the surface, it's time to water. In the ground, natives may need little supplemental water after the first year, but this is not true for potted natives. In the summer, I watered at least every 3-5 days depending on pot size, making sure the water drained through each time. Prune plants to deadhead, shape, or promote growth depending on the species. Remove and repot plants at regular intervals (every 2 years, for example), depending on size and species, to observe roots, determine if a larger container is needed and to provide fresh nutrients via new soil.
Check with your local nursery for ideas on the appropriate native plant choices for your area. With a little patience and trial and error, your limited in-ground planting space need not prevent you from enjoying California native plants in your landscape.
Advice to Grow By Workshops
Our next workshop will be April 15th, 2023, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden at 2154 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Orchids and Dahlia's part 2”. All about planting, care of Dahlias, how to grow orchids and how to keep that supermarket orchid alive”. Visit our website to register. The workshop is free and open to the public. Docents will be available after the workshop until 1:00 pm. If inclement weather, the workshop will be cancelled.
Other ways to see or reach us:
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
UCCE Master Gardener Helpline offices:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)