Drought-Tolerant Flowers for Bay Area Landscaping
Flowers make everything better. When you want to be mindful of how much water you are using on your landscaping, it can seem that you’d have to give up having a pretty landscape. Far from it!
Keep reading to learn more about drought-tolerant landscaping (also known as low-water landscaping) and our top recommended flowers that require less supplemental water and will thrive in your Bay Area landscaping.
What are Low-Water (Drought-Tolerant) Landscapes?
Low-water landscapes are also known as “xeriscaping,” which means “dry landscape.” It is derived from the root word “xeros,” which is the Greek word for “dry.”
Low water landscapes are landscapes that are drought-resistant, focus on using plants that demand less water, and use features like mulch or stones to create beautiful, striking landscapes.
Low water landscapes are designed to thrive on less water by incorporating drought-tolerant plants and features such as mulch, stone, and other natural materials that create a beautiful, visually appealing landscape and outdoor space.
With several Bay Area water districts recently increasing or approving increases to water rates, it is a smart move to find ways to minimize your water use in landscaping.
Our 8 Top-Recommended Drought Tolerant Flowers:
Spanish Lavender (Lavenduula stoechas)
This lavender usually experiences up to three blooms (spring to summer). It has distinct “bunny ear” petals and have a beautiful purple color, in addition to an inviting scent.
UC Master Gardeners describe Spanish Lavender as the most drought tolerant of all lavender species.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
The beloved California poppy has a bright seasonal color an performs especially well in sunny, dry areas, so it is a perfect choice for a drier landscape. Not only that, but the California poppy became the official state flower on March 2, 1903.
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
This white, gentle flower is a popular flower choice for many Californias because it is resilient and easy to grow in a variety of different soils. It is a great choice for groundcover, and also attracts and supports pollination for butterflies and bees, along with many other insects.
Sage (Salvia)
Sage has many different colors and varieties, from Chia to Desert Sage and Hummingbird Sage. Sage usually grows well in shade, and depending on the variety, many can survive summer without irrigation once established, such as the hummingbird sage. To view more varieties, visit Calscape.
Penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus)
Penstemon flowers are colorful, trumpet-shaped, and tubular, with several native California flowers as well. If you’re wanting a flower that grows vertical and has color, while also tolerant in low-water areas, this may be your pick. These flowers also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa)
These bell-shaped flowering shrubs bloom in the winter and the spring. They can tolerate full sun exposure and grow well with other drought-tolerant plants. There are many native California varieties that would fit well with a native garden.
Wild Lilac (Ceanothus)
This flowering shrub would be a delightful addition to any garden. It has an inviting, blue or purple color, and with its evergreen foliage, you can enjoy it all year round. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant plant loves the sun and, depending on the species, needs little to no water.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
This beautiful, vibrant, sun-light flower loves the sun and grows well with other drought tolerant plants. It also has a long blooming season. While not native to California, it thrives well in Californian sunny climates and is very easy to grow. Butterflies especially love this flower.
Ready to Integrate These Flowers Into Your Landscaping?
Which flowers will you include in your low water landscape? A low water, drought tolerant landscape can be easier to maintain than a traditional grass lawn. Save money with maintenance while increasing curb appeal with flowers that thrive well in the Bay Area. To get more ideas for low water landscapes, read this related blog post.
Do you live in the Bay Area? Our expert team at Quality Gardening and Landscaping would love to support you! Contact us for a free estimate, and we will be happy to make your yard (front and/ or back yard) a welcoming and beautiful place you can maximize and enjoy. With over 35 years of experience of serving the Bay Area, our team is always focused on overdeliving for our clients.
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