Summer is almost here, California is in a drought, and San Diego is no exception. With water being in short supply, why not consider getting rid of your water hog lawn and plant some of the following drought tolerant plants? Not only will they cut back on your water bill, they can also bump up the curb appeal of your home if you’re selling. You’d also be helping the environment. Everyone wins.
In no particular order here are 10 drought tolerant plants that are well suited for San Diego:
Salvia clevelandii: A sage with purple-blue flower spikes rising above aromatic gray-green foliage in early summer grows 3 to 5 feet tall by 5 to 8 feet wide. It’s from Southern California and northern Baja.
Helictotrichon sempervirens: A Mediterranean grass grows in clumps that can measure 2 to 3 feet wide and tall. It has thin, blue-gray blades and clusters of blond flowers form approximately 2 feet above this foliage in the spring.
Libertia peregrinans: This New Zealand plant has stiff, orange blades that grow to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It blooms with white flowers in spring and summer.
Nassella tenuissima; This grass from Texas and Mexico forms 2 feet tall and wide clumps of wispy green blades. Blond flowers bloom in the summer.
Agastache rugosa: This plant from Korea is a treat for hummingbirds! Five feet tall and 2 feet wide, this plant has stems of a glossy green and the leaves are licorice-scented. In the summer it has purple-blue flowers.
Sedum spurium: This plant has small, rounded burgundy leaves with tiny reddish flowers that bloom in the summer. This is a low growing, quick spreading succulent.
Sempervivum: A native to Europe, this plant grows in clumps that span two or more feet. Reddish flowers sprout from stems reaching 2 feet in height.
Sedum rupestre: Another European native, this plant makes excellent filler or ground cover. It spread freely at about 6 inches in height.
Sedum spathulifolium: Another great groundcover plant, this time from here in California, it has small blue-green leaves that form tight rosettes on trailing stems.
Echinocactus grusoni: This native Mexican cactus has golden spines and reaches 4 feet tall and 2½ feet wide. In summer, small yellow blooms top this plant.
If you are planning on selling your home in the future, pay extra attention to the front yard areas, to insure your curb appeal captivates your buyer. Colorful plants neatly arranged in a yard can make even the smallest of areas look bright, cheerful, and inviting!
