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Growing Native Plants in the Landscape
Attractive native plants adapted to landscape use are California-friendly; they require little water
and no fertilizer or pesticide application. Landscaping with California natives helps protect the
environment and provides habitat for native wildlife.
Choosing Plants
Select plants whose requirements for elevation, temperature and rainfall best match your local
conditions. Also consider the suitability of plants for your site conditions including sun versus
shade, wind and soil drainage.
Planting
Though most California natives can be planted through winter and spring, the optimum time is
late fall so plants can take advantage of winter rains and have the maximum time to establish
themselves before the onset of summer heat and drought. Good soil drainage is essential for root
health. You can test drainage by filling a planting hole twice with water. If water does not drain
out of the hole overnight, plant in a raised bed or on a mound. Dig a hole that is at least twice as
wide as the pot and the same depth as the root ball. Flood the hole and let it drain. Set the plant
so the crown (where the stem and roots join) is slightly above the soil grade. Backfill the hole
with native soil, then irrigate thoroughly to settle the soil and drench the entire root zone.
Soil Amendments and Fertilizer
Most soils do not require the addition of soil amendments or fertilizer. Amendments should only
be used if a soil test indicates they are needed to adjust soil pH or other chemical properties.
Adding a large quantity of organic amendment to soil can retard plant establishment. Without
organic amendments, roots penetrate into native soil more quickly. Fertilizer that contains
nitrogen encourages weeds and can produce rapid vegetative growth which is not good for
species that are naturally adapted to soils with low fertility. Fertilizers also inhibit the growth of
microrhizal fungi that grow on the roots of woody plants and help natives absorb nutrients and
water.
Irrigation
Water requirements vary greatly depending on species, soil, exposure, and proximity of the
garden to the coast. Riparian species (which grow near streams and lakes) and most species from
northern California will need periodic irrigation or rainfall throughout the year. All plants, even
those considered drought-tolerant, need water to get established. Water must be applied at the
base of a container-grown plant to wet the rootball until new roots grow into the native soil.
When plants are established (about twice their original size) apply water around the perimeter
and keep the crown area somewhat dry to prevent disease. For the first year or two, a general
guideline is to water once every two weeks on the coast, and weekly in the interior during the dry
season. Sandy soils require water more often than clay soils.
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Once established, many native plants will look better with deep irrigation about once a month during the
summer, depending on the soil and the plant. If winter rainfall is sparse, provide additional irrigation from
November to March. Do not allow soils to get soggy, especially during warm weather.
Mulch
Apply a coarse mulch (chipped wood, ground bark, or shredded redwood/gorilla hair) around
plants, but be careful to keep it away from the stem or trunk so the crown area can dry out.
Mulching helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and saves water by keeping the soil cool
and decreasing evaporation.
Weeds
Weeding is important to avoid competition for water, nutrients, and light. Dry grass and other weeds are a
fire hazard. Weed thoroughly prior to planting and regularly as plants become established. If possible,
eradicate Bermuda grass and other aggressive weeds before planting.
Pruning
Prune dead or broken branches. It is especially important to prune out dead wood in fire-prone areas.
Many young plants, especially some sages, benefit from shaping to develop good form.
Pests and Diseases
Native plants generally have few insect pest problems, especially when given the proper growing
conditions: sun or shade suitable for the species, adequate soil drainage, and sufficient space for proper
foliage and root growth. New plantings can be damaged by pocket gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits and
deer. For information on how to control these vertebrate pests visit www.ipm.ucanr.edu .
Resources
California Native Plant Society-San Diego Chapter
Tree of Life Nursery, San Juan Capistrano
Las Pilitas Nursery, Escondido
California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Escondido
Kay Stewart, Landscape Architect, San Diego
Moosa Creek Nursery (sells through local retail nurseries)
Recon Native Plant Nursery (wholesale)
www.cnpssd.org
www.californianativeplants.com
www.laspilitas.com
http://www.calown.com
www.kaylarch.com
www.moosacreeknursery.com
www.reconnativeplants.com
Adapted from Guidelines published by the California Native Plant Society
University of California
Cooperative Extension,
County of San Diego
Master Gardener Volunteers
858-822-6910 (M-F 9AM-3PM)
Web Site www.MasterGardenerSD.org
Email [email protected]
The Master Gardener Association of San Diego County
supports the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of San Diego County.
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