UC Master Gardeners Logo
UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County

Outstanding Plants for Alameda County

outstand plants for Alameda County_web_04302021_Page_2

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)
Alstroemeria spp.

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