Feb 9, 2015
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Colusa County LOVE the Arboretum All-Stars. The All-Stars are mainly water-wise plants that look beautiful. When most people think water-wise or drought tolerant or xeriscaping, they think it's all succulents and cactus. You will be amazed by this list of 100 beautiful plants.
Some of my favorites that I have in my yard are:
- Califonria fuschia, Epilobium canum
- California fescue, Festuca californica
- Pigsqueak, Bergenia crassifolia
- Santa Barbara Daisy, Erigeron karvinskianus
- Coral bells, Heuchera sp.
- Pacific iris, Iris 'Canyon Snow'
- Dwarf oregano, Origanum vulgare 'Betty Rollins'
- Snow in summer, Cerastium tomentosum
- Compact Oregon grape, Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta
- Ceanothus, Ceanothus sp.
- Lavender, Lavandula sp.
- Roses, Rosa sp.
- Rosemary, Rosmarinus sp.
- Mint bush sage, Salvia sp.
Some of these have several species that are just as fantastic! I did not realize I have so many of these in my yard.
So, what makes a plant an All-star?
- Attractive for most of the year.
- Thrives in California's Mediterranean climate.
- Test in the UC Davis Arboretum.
Many of them are:
- Low maintenance
- Drought Tolerant
- Attracts beneficial wildlife