‍Plant California Native. Be California Friendly®.

What are California Friendly Plants?

Watch the video below to explore more about plants that flourish in the warm California climate. Explore the full list of native plants that work best for your region on BeWaterWise.com. 

Ready, Set, Grow!

Design a yard with long term water savings when you add California Friendly® and native plants. These non-invasive, easy to maintain plants use 75% less water than traditional turf lawns and last throughout the year. The plants create an ideal environment to attract pollinators, beautify your space, and add biodiversity. Before you start planting, explore a list of small to large plants, succulents, trees and groundcover that will thrive in the dry arid climate of San Diego County,

The most active months for plant growth in Southern California are during the months of March, April and May. Revive your garden or landscape by clearing out debris from old plants or areas that may have been impacted by dramatic heat or cool weather. 

Plant with a Purpose

Start building your sustainable garden and look for some of the plants below at your local nursery to start your joruney to build a garden with California native plants. Add color to your landscape when you create a sustainable landscape with drought-tolerant plants, shrubs and trees. Read more about California native plants and find the plant that best fits your yard on the Be Water Wise website.

Below is a summary of plants that will thrive in North San Diego County's mediterranean climate:

Medium Plants: Baja Fairy Duster, Bush Germander, California Lilac, Cleveland Sage, Lion's Tail, Mexican Bush Sage, Rosemary, and White Sage.

Large Plants: Arabian Lilac, Conebush, Grevillea, Manzanita, and Toyon.

Vines: Lilac Vine, Roger's Red Grapes, and  Bougainvillea.

Ground Cover: Creeping Rosemary, Kurapia, Silver Carpet, Seaside Daisy, South African Daisy, Trailing Latana, and Yarrow.

Succulents: Aloe, Aeonium, Hens-and-Chicks, Live Forever, Red Yucca, and Rose Purslane

 

Don't Forget the Mulch

Installing mulch around plants, trees, and flowers can save hundreds of gallons annually by reducing evaporation and decreasing weed growth. The best application for trees is to place mulch in a donut shape several inches away from the trunk to avoid excess watering. Look for mulch that doubles as a fertilizer and without large chunks of bark to allow better absorption from plants and fire proof your yard.

• Inorganic mulches such as decomposed granite, gravel and rock work best for areas within zero to five feet of the residence. 
• Use a variety of mulch types such as small compostable mulch sized at no more than 1.5" wide and maintain a cover of 3 to 4 inches thick.
• Avoid combustible mulch such as shredded redwood or cedar bark. 

Explore more about firescaping your landscape with defensible space on Cal Fire's website.

 

Contact 811 Before You Dig

Planning to install a fence or dig a hole for a large tree? Prevent serious injury, property damage, or loss of utility service by scheduling a visit from 811 Dig Alert.

• Mark out the excavation area with spray paint or use string and sticks.
• Schedule an appointment at California811.org or call 811 at least two days prior to the start of your dig project.
• Wait to dig until your ticket is approved. 
• Locate your ticket and verify approval by checking the utility responses through the online portal at DigAlert.org

Help Pollinators in Your Garden

Did you know bats, bees, butterflies, and beetles are all pollinators? Support the ecosystem and help pollinators when you plant native plants. Explore the many varieties of native plants, pollinators and more available in San Diego County by visiting the websites below:

• Be Water Wise
• Sunset Plant Collection
• California Native Plant Society
• Quick Tips for a California Friendly Garden brochure

New! California Native Plant Rebate

The Waterscape Rebate Program now offers an additional $1 per square foot on top of existing $3 per square foot turf replacement rebates when you choose California native plants. Native plants help save water, support pollinators (bats, bees & butterflies), and enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space while reducing maintenance needs.

Stack Landscape Rebates

$4/Sq Ft Residential Turf Rebate: Transform your lawn with turf removal, irrigation upgrades, and rainwater retention.

Start planning your new yard! Contact the County of San Diego for program information.

Email: info@waterscaperebates.com