Don Hohimer's Native Plant Tips

Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) "Cut back by 1/3 in the fall. Responds to water in the spring. Good as fresh seasoning on a Thanksgiving turkey."

California fuschia (Zauchneria sp.) "Cut to the ground in late fall. Spreads by both underground runners and seed. Summer water extends the bloom cycle to the delight of hummingbirds."

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.) "Takes more water to establish in the first couple years than you would think, but well worth it. With early rains they give winter flowers for hummingbirds."

Wild Lilac (Ceanothus sp.) "Quick to establish with a fragrant, floral display in early spring. Short lived (3-5 years) if irrigated, but will live much longer if only watered the first years to get them established."

Royal Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis) "Can reach 6 feet in a wet year. Cut dry stalks back in the fall. Scatter seeds for winter volunteers."

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) "Deeply soak newly planted container-grown trees 1 time per week in year one, 1 time per month in year two, and once in late summer of year three."