Attractive Plants that Thrive on Little Care
As Master Gardeners, we are often asked to recommend plants that grow well in Alameda County. Many gardeners are seeking to conserve water, reduce pesticide usage and attract wildlife to their gardens. At the same time, they are looking for plants that don't require a lot of special care. Fortunately, there are a great many wonderful plants that can help gardeners meet these goals while providing color and interest in the garden.
These two pamphlets highlight some of those plants. Some are single species, while others are genera of plants with species ranging from groundcovers to large shrubs. We have recommended some species and varieties, however, there are many others that will perform well and look beautiful. The plants listed are some specific choices with which Master Gardeners have had positive experiences. Always check the label of the plant you are buying for its final size as well as water, sun, and care requirements.
When planting, bear in mind that Alameda County contains many climactic zones or micro-climates, so a plant that tolerates full sun in coastal Berkeley may require afternoon shade in Livermore. And plants that need no summer water in San Leandro, might benefit from an occasional deep soaking in Pleasanton. We have noted this throughout the brochures, but you will achieve the best results if you learn about your own micro-climate and consult with your local nursery
Learn more below or in each of our publications:
Key
Water needs
- Drought tolerant—no summer water required beyond what is naturally available
- Low water—some watering needed in summer; deep soaking every 3 to 4 weeks
- Moderate water—watering needed during the summer; deep soaking every 1 to 2 weeks
Sunlight needs
- Full sun—all day sun, a minimum of 8 hours
- Part shade—filtered light or 4 to 5 hours of sun
- Shade—less than 3 hours of sun
Perennials
| Common name (*native to California) Botanical name | Water and sunlight needs |
|---|---|
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) | Low to moderate water; full sun to partial shade |
| California Fuchsia* Epilobium canum, Zauschneria spp. | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun |
| Coyote Mint* Monardella villosa | Drought tolerant |
| Hummingbird Sage* Salvia spathacea | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Lavender Lavandula spp | Drought tolerant; full sun |
| New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans | Low to moderate water; full sun to part shade |
| Scarlet Monkey Flower Mimulus cardinalis | Moderate water; full sun to part shade |
Shrubs
| Common name (*native to California) Botanical name | Water and sunlight needs |
|---|---|
| California Lilac* Ceanothus spp. | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Currant or Gooseberry* Ribes sanguineum / Ribes aureum | Low to moderate water; full sun, part shade or shade |
| Coffeeberry* Rhamnus califonica | Drought tolerant; full sun to part shade |
| Grevillea Grevillea spp. | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Manzanita* Arctostaphylos spp. | Drought tolerant; full sun |
| Mexican Bush Sage Salvia leucantha | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Oregon Grape* Mahonia aquifolium | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun to part shade |
| Shrubby Monkey Flower* Mimulus aurantiacus | Drought tolerant to low water; full sun |
| Tree Mallow Lavatera spp. | Low to moderate water; full sun |
Grasses
| Common name (*native to California) Botanical name | Water and sunlight needs |
|---|---|
| California Fescue* Festuca californica | Drought tolerant, low to moderate water; full sun to part shade |