Drought tolerant plants have become increasingly important in Northern California landscapes. Much of the North Bay experiences cool, wet winters followed by long, dry summers and autumns. At Details Landscape Art, we have been designing and building landscapes in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties since 1991, and have developed extensive experience creating beautiful, water-wise gardens suited to our Mediterranean climate.
Drought tolerant plants in this Mediterranean-style garden
One of the biggest misconceptions about drought tolerant plants is that a low-water garden must look dry, sparse, or desert-like. Nothing could be further from the truth. A thoughtfully designed garden can be lush, colorful, and interesting while using far less water than a traditional landscape.
Drought Tolerant Plants Need Water at First
A common misunderstanding is that drought tolerant plants require no water.
In reality, newly installed plants need regular irrigation during their establishment period. We generally recommend watering regularly through the first growing season and allowing the plants to experience at least one winter in the ground before reducing irrigation.
Once established, many drought tolerant plants thrive with deep, infrequent watering.
Remember: low water use does not mean no water use.
Why We Like Them
Over the years, we have developed a list of tried-and-true plants that perform well in Sonoma County gardens. Our favorites are generally pest resistant, require minimal pruning, and provide year-round interest through varying textures, heights, foliage colors, and bloom seasons.
Many are also deer resistant.
Following is a sampling of plants we frequently use.
Drought Tolerant Trees
- Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia (Crape Myrtle) is a drought tolerant plant - Celtis (Hackberry)
- Olea europaea (Olive)
- Schinus molle (California Pepper)
- Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache)
Chinese pistache is a great fall color drought tolerant plant - Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud)
- Maytenus boaria ‘Green Showers’
- Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood)
Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Groundcovers
- Arctostaphylos (Manzanita)
Manzanita ‘Emerald Carpet’ lines a flagstone walkway
- Agapanthus
- Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)
- Buxus microphylla japonica (Japanese Boxwood)
- Ceanothus (California Wild Lilac)
- Cistus (Rockrose)
- Correa (Australian Fuchsia)
- Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Tree)
- Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava)
- Lavandula (Lavender)
Lavender is a very Mediterranean drought tolerant plant - Lantana
- Leptospermum (New Zealand Tea Tree)
- Myoporum parvifolium
- Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)
- Pittosporum
- Podocarpus macrophylla (Yew Pine)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
- Sarcococca ruscifolia
- Viburnum
- Westringia fruticosa
Drought Tolerant Vines
- Clytostoma callistegioides (Lavender Trumpet Vine)
- Distictis buccinatoria (Blood Red Trumpet Vine)
- Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine)
- Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine)
- Passiflora caerulea (Passion Vine)
- Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks Rose)
Irrigation
A drip irrigation system is highly recommended for drought tolerant gardens. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone while minimizing evaporation and runoff.
Combined with an irrigation controller, drip systems allow precise control over watering frequency and duration.
Water conservation does not require sacrificing beauty. With proper plant selection and efficient irrigation, homeowners can enjoy colorful, attractive gardens that thrive in Sonoma County’s dry summer climate while using far less water.