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Native Plant Favorites for Small Spaces & Containers

Heuchera maxima, Coral Bells

One of the best and most popular. Hummingbirds love the flowers too. A bit of shade, esp. inland, is best.

Dudleya species, Live-Forevers

One of the absolute best for pots. And many of them have “stories” too about where they grow, their rarity and so on that you will want to learn. Just don’t over-water them! Slow growing, so be patient. Learn the differences between the species, some grow on ocean bluffs, others on dry inland hillsides, still overs in deserts, so their tolerances and preferences to heat and humidity vary.

Monardella villosa, Coyote Mint

Very pretty and smallish perennials that can be tucked into borders or grown in pots. Good for pollinators. Fragrant foliage too, so put a pot or two up on a table or shelf where you can be sure to rub against it or just play with its leaves.

Penstemon Margarita Bop

There are lots of native penstemons, but this one might be the easiest and one of the showiest. It’s a native selection and not a pure wild plant, so if you’re a purist you may want to look for the straight species, but otherwise it’s a “gotta have”.

Asclepias fascicularis, eriocarpa or californica, Milkweeds

Not exactly a little compact plant, but milkweeds are incredibly popular now because of their connection to monarch conservation. If you can, fit them in, one or two of these is a must. But for the sake of the Monarchs, be sure to only plant locally native species, which these three are, and avoid those that are from other parts of the state, country, or planet.

Sisyrinchium bellum, Blue Eyed Grass

Blue eyed grasses will delight you in late winter and spring with their cheerful appearance. But will disappear in the summer and fall, when they go to sleep, so position them with this in mind.

Epilobium canum, California Fuchsia

One of the most popular native plants and in every enthusiast’s garden. Dozens of varieties have been selected over the past few decades so be sure to shop for what you want . . . small and compact, large and bushy, low and spreading, grey or green leaves, orange flowers or red flowers and so on and so on. One of the primary reasons for these in a garden is their propensity to bloom in the summer and fall, after most other native plants have finished.

Diplacus aurantiacus, Monkeyflowers

Monkeyflowers have been growing of popularity. Mostly you’ll find hybrids and selections. Their tubular, brightly colored flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds. Plan on two or three years, but worth every moment.

Achillea millifolium, Yarrow

An ideal native for along pathways, tight patios, and in the spaces between larger plants. The ferny foliage can even be stepped on occasionally (but not too much). Creamy blooms clusters rise above the foliage in Spring. I have it in my parkway and it is perfection.

Juncus patens, Rush

A very architectural group of plants with stiff, upright, grass-like foliage. It likes a bit more water than some others so position it with that in mind. Very nice in a pot when mixed with other natives.

Eriogonum grande ‘Rubescens’, Red Flowered Buckwheat

A very rare plant in the wild, but a stalwart in our gardens. Masses of rosy red flowers on a compact and well behaved plant. Pollinators and butterflies will love you.

As you add these and other native plants to your garden be sure to learn their stories. Find out where they grow in Orange County, or if they are rare, or what insect pollinates them. With even a small collection of California native plants your garden will have a whole new meaning.


Heuchera maxima, Coral Bells

One of the best and most popular. Hummingbirds love the flowers too. A bit of shade, esp. inland, is best.

Dudleya species, Live-Forevers

One of the absolute best for pots. And many of them have “stories” too about where they grow, their rarity and so on that you will want to learn. Just don’t over-water them! Slow growing, so be patient. Learn the differences between the species, some grow on ocean bluffs, others on dry inland hillsides, still overs in deserts, so their tolerances and preferences to heat and humidity vary.

Monardella villosa, Coyote Mint

Very pretty and smallish perennials that can be tucked into borders or grown in pots. Good for pollinators. Fragrant foliage too, so put a pot or two up on a table or shelf where you can be sure to rub against it or just play with its leaves.

Penstemon
Margarita Bop

There are lots of native penstemons, but this one might be the easiest and one of the showiest. It’s a native selection and not a pure wild plant, so if you’re a purist you may want to look for the straight species, but otherwise it’s a “gotta have”.

Asclepias fascicularis, eriocarpa or californica, Milkweeds

Not exactly a little compact plant, but milkweeds are incredibly popular now because of their connection to monarch conservation. If you can, fit them in, one or two of these is a must. But for the sake of the Monarchs, be sure to only plant locally native species, which these three are, and avoid those that are from other parts of the state, country, or planet.

Sisyrinchium bellum, Blue Eyed Grass

Blue eyed grasses will delight you in late winter and spring with their cheerful appearance. But will disappear in the summer and fall, when they go to sleep, so position them with this in mind.

Epilobium canum, California Fuchsia

One of the most popular native plants and in every enthusiast’s garden. Dozens of varieties have been selected over the past few decades so be sure to shop for what you want . . . small and compact, large and bushy, low and spreading, grey or green leaves, orange flowers or red flowers and so on and so on. One of the primary reasons for these in a garden is their propensity to bloom in the summer and fall, after most other native plants have finished.

Diplacus aurantiacus, Monkeyflowers

Monkeyflowers have been growing of popularity. Mostly you’ll find hybrids and selections. Their tubular, brightly colored flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds. Plan on two or three years, but worth every moment.

Achillea millifolium, Yarrow

An ideal native for along pathways, tight patios, and in the spaces between larger plants. The ferny foliage can even be stepped on occasionally (but not too much). Creamy blooms clusters rise above the foliage in Spring. I have it in my parkway and it is perfection.

Juncus patens, Rush

A very architectural group of plants with stiff, upright, grass-like foliage. It likes a bit more water than some others so position it with that in mind. Very nice in a pot when mixed with other natives.

Eriogonum grande ‘Rubescens’, Red Flowered Buckwheat

A very rare plant in the wild, but a stalwart in our gardens. Masses of rosy red flowers on a compact and well behaved plant. Pollinators and butterflies will love you.

As you add these and other native plants to your garden be sure to learn their stories. Find out where they grow in Orange County, or if they are rare, or what insect pollinates them. With even a small collection of California native plants your garden will have a whole new meaning.