MK Life Tips: Plants That Thrive in San Diego's Climate

Landscaping can make or break the curb appeal and ambience of your home. Over the years EcoMinded Solutions has sought out the best plants to bring beauty while conserving water for San Diego landscapes without sacrificing luxury and aesthetics. They’ve rounded up the 10 best plants for landscaping in San Diego to help you create the perfect garden for your home, whether you’re looking for potted plants, tree plantings, or other shade plants. Check them out below:

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Salvia Species (perennials/shrubs)

Salvias, also known as sages, are an easy-to-grow desert plant. Many varieties bloom abundantly in the summer, adding color and beauty to your garden. They thrive in many different soil types and climates, making them a versatile addition to any landscape.

Leucophyllum Species (shrubs)

These shrubs are known for their ability to forecast rain, blooming a couple of days before rainstorms in response to humidity. Since they require minimal water to thrive, this species is the perfect plant to grow in San Diego. Blooms range from white to magenta or deep purple.

Agave Species (succulents)

Agave species are one type of succulent, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades ranging from jewel greens to pale blues. Their leaves are typically long and triangular with sharp tips. Known for their hardiness, agave plants require very little water to thrive. They add a stunning geometric element to your landscape.

Aloe Species (succulents)

Aloe species of succulents range in sizes from small tabletop plants to large landscape staples. Most varieties feature spiky leaves that are thick and waxy to the touch. These plants require very little water and also grow well in pots. Used as medicinal plants for centuries, the sap inside aloe leaves is known to soothe burns and moisturize the skin.

When remodeling your home and performing landscape construction, remember plants aren’t just for the outdoors! A vertical arrangement of succulents creates a beautiful living wall, the perfect backdrop for your outdoor dining and entertainment area. Indoor displays in your dining area or living room bring life and color inside your home.

Bougainvillea (vine)

Bougainvillea is an ornamental vine that thrives in San Diego climates. The vine’s delicate flower blossoms and deep green leaves provide a pop of life and color, weaving across fences and walls with ease. Drought-resistant and evergreen in warm climates, bougainvillea is a great addition to any San Diego landscape.

Let them grow free along fences in the backyard or wind around the posts of your backyard pergola to add a colorful, natural element.

Muhlenbergia Species (grass)

Commonly known as a hairawn muhly, this hedge-like grass grows tall with feathery, pinkish-purple flowers emerging in the late summer and early autumn. Tall grasses add texture and height to your landscape, and since these plants survive well in drought conditions, they are the perfect addition to any San Diego landscape.

They also do well in shady areas, such as lining the patio for your outdoor living room. This versatile grass was voted as the 2012 Garden Club Plant of the Year.

Rosmarinus species (groundcover)

This prostrate rosemary plant is a low-growing herbaceous shrub, reaching heights of 2 inches to 1 foot tall, and will grow 4-8 feet in width. Reminiscent of pine needles and topped with light purple flowers, this shrub gives off the refreshing aroma of rosemary. Rosemary in partial to full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. Plant them near your Jacuzzi or outdoor lounge to scent the breeze with a burst of fresh rosemary aroma.

Lantana species (groundcover)

Also known as shrub verbenas or lantanas, these flowering perennials produce clusters of tiny bright blossoms among their green leaves, attracting butterflies to your landscape. A hardy plant, they survive well in Southern California landscapes even during water shortages

Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’

 Also known as an Olive tree, this evergreen tree is native to the Mediterranean, yet adapts easily to temperate zones. The Swan Hill variety produces no fruit and little to no pollen, eliminating allergens and requiring minimal maintenance. These trees are noted for their wispy greyish-green foliage and are staples in California landscapes. They look beautiful planted in groupings such as lining driveways or streets. Olive trees thrive in medium to low water climates and full sun, reaching 25-30 feet tall and spanning 25-30 feet wide when mature.

Cercidium X “Desert Museum”

The Desert Museum palo verde is a shade tree that produces large yellow blossoms in the spring. Originally native to Arizona, this variety thrives in low-water drought conditions and grows quickly. Green trunks and green branches give way to an airy canopy, producing a dappled shade below. Their unique shape enhances tranquil landscapes and makes a great addition to meditation gardens.

Source: EcoMinded Solutions