California native plants range from large trees like redwoods to ground covers like milkvetch. The conditions they are native to also vary widely: local to Santa Clara Valley, the Pacific coast, the Mojave dessert, or the Sierra Nevada mountains. Just because a plant is native to California doesn't mean it will grow anywhere in California. The better your location matches the plant's native landscape and needs, the more likely it will thrive.
Choosing the right plant for your landscape
The Master Gardener team grows California native plants that are locally native, or grow in a similar environment. We also focus on plants that are easy to grow. Only a few plants will be marked as being for expert growers.
We want to help you find the right plant for the right place. At our sales, the sign for each plant has a picture of the mature plant and lists the mature size, bloom time, sun needs, water needs, soil types, and more. We are glad to answer any questions.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing plants for your landscape.
How much sun does the location receive
- Full sun means 8 or more hours of unobstructed sun per day
- Part sun or part shade means morning sun with afternoon shade or having a tree that gives dappled light.
- Morning shade with afternoon sun is a difficult situation since afternoon sun can be quite hot. Ask our native plant team for guidance.
- Full shade means no direct sun
How much water is available or will be provided
- None: Watered only by rain
- Very low: Watered about once a month in months without rain
- Low: Watered about every two weeks after rain stops
- Regular: Watered weekly when it does not rain
What type of soil you have: clay, loam, sand
- Clay soil forms a hard surface when dry and does not drain well
- Loamy soil crumbles easily, has lots of organic matter, and drains wells
- Sandy soil has a lot of sand in it, like a beach, and drains very fast
Where does the plant grow naturally
- Found in an area similar to your yard: Usually easier to grow
- Found in a hotter, drier area: May need help to ensure good drainage, such as planting on a mound
- Found in a moister, cooler area: May need extra water and sun protection in summer
Sales
We have plant sales on the third Saturday of most months, with occasional exceptions. See our Events Calendar for the next sale.
Our Native Plant Sales list shows the variety of plants that we currently offer or have offered in the past. Please understand that not all plants are available at every sale.
We offer plants that are appropriate for the season:
- Annual plants are sold from January through April.
- Perennial plants are sold all year. However, the best time to plant them is just before the first rain in autumn. Let nature water them for you as they become established.
Volunteering
We welcome community volunteers to help the California Native Plant Team. This team starts plants from seeds or cuttings. We also test which propagation method works best for various types of plants. This is an opportunity to learn as you help. Our workdays are Tuesday and Friday morning from 9 am to 11 am. You will find us in Shade House 2 at Martial Cottle Park in San Jose.