Native Plant Favorites for Small Spaces & Containers

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Heuchera maxima, Coral Bells

Heuchera maxima, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a California native perennial admired for its lush, rounded green foliage and graceful flower stalks topped with delicate white blooms. Flowering from late winter through spring, it attracts hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators while adding soft texture to shaded gardens.

Thriving in part shade with well-drained soil, Heuchera maxima is drought tolerant once established and makes an excellent choice for borders, woodland gardens, containers, or natural landscapes with year-round appeal.

Dudleya species, Live-Forevers

Dudleya, commonly known as Live-Forevers, are striking California native succulents admired for their sculptural rosettes and powdery, silver-green foliage. Naturally adapted to rocky cliffs and coastal landscapes, they thrive in well-drained soil with minimal water, making them an exceptional choice for drought-tolerant gardens.

Their elegant form adds year-round beauty to containers, rock gardens, and native landscapes, while tall flower stalks in spring attract hummingbirds and beneficial pollinators, bringing both resilience and refined natural charm to outdoor spaces.

Monardella villosa, Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa, commonly known as Coyote Mint, is a fragrant California native perennial treasured for its clusters of soft lavender blooms and aromatic foliage. Flowering from late spring through summer.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, Coyote Mint is drought tolerant once established. Its compact habit and refreshing minty fragrance make it an excellent choice for borders, native landscapes and coastal plantings.

Penstemon Margarita Bop
Penstemon 'Margarita BOP' is a vibrant, long-blooming perennial celebrated for its striking lavender-purple flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Blooming from spring through fall, this drought-tolerant favorite thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes.

Its upright habit and colorful display add lasting beauty to borders, cottage gardens, and native plantings, while requiring minimal maintenance once established.

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

Sisyrinchium bellum, commonly known as Blue-Eyed Grass, is a charming California native perennial prized for its delicate violet-blue, star-shaped flowers with cheerful golden centers. Blooming from spring into early summer, it forms graceful clumps of slender, grass-like foliage that add natural texture to borders, rock gardens, and meadow-inspired landscapes.

Easy to grow and drought tolerant once established, Blue-Eyed Grass thrives in sunny to lightly shaded gardens and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its effortless beauty makes it an excellent choice for sustainable, water-wise landscapes.

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

Diplacus aurantiacus, commonly known as Monkeyflower, is a vibrant California native shrub admired for its cheerful trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and apricot. Blooming from spring through summer, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators while adding lasting color to water-wise landscapes.

Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, Monkeyflower is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal care. Its natural beauty, resilience, and ability to support local wildlife make it an exceptional choice for native gardens and sustainable outdoor spaces.

Achillea millifolium, Yarrow

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Yarrow, is a hardy perennial prized for its feathery foliage and broad clusters of cheerful blooms. Flowering in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, it attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators while thriving in sunny gardens with minimal care. Drought tolerant once established, Yarrow is an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, and natural landscapes. Its long-lasting flowers also make beautiful additions to fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Juncus patens, Rush

Juncus patens, commonly known as California Rush, is a graceful evergreen native with upright, deep green stems that bring texture and movement to the garden year-round. Its architectural form pairs beautifully with flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and water-wise landscapes.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Juncus patens adapts well to moist or dry soils once established. Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, containers, or modern landscape designs, this low-maintenance plant adds natural beauty, structure, and year-round interest.

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.