NATIVE PLANT CARE 101

Congratulations!

You’ve chosen to grow native California plants and while that may not seem like such a big deal, we’d like to take this opportunity to assure you that it is in fact a very big deal. 

By planting natives you are choosing species that have co-evolved over thousands of years with local insects, animals, fungi and microbes. You are working with the rhythm of California’s seasons, planting species that have evolved adaptations to thrive in our unique climate and you’re saving precious water in the process. You are helping to take back what was lost with imported invasive species and support the local ecology.   

Planting native plants is truly an act of impactful environmentalism, but the benefits don’t stop there. It is our sincerest hope that a deeper appreciation of the natural world will take root and inspire you in ways you may never have considered.  

Here’s answers to some questions you may have about caring for your native plants.

How often should I water my plants?

Native plants are adapted to California’s climate of long summer drought and cool, wet winters. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to water your plants at all!  You don’t want them just to survive, you want them to thrive and that means watering at the right times and holding back when there is nothing you’d like more, than to sip your drink and hose down the garden. 

When first planted, native plants need regular watering to get established. Ideally we plant in the Fall to take full advantage of the rainy season, even doing our best to extend that season. Watering in the Fall until the rains arrive and after the last of the heavy rains have passed in the Spring. 

For new plants we recommend two waterings per week for three months, unless the rains are doing that for you.

Now this is a good rule of thumb but rules are made to be broken. New plantings on steep hillsides may require more watering. Plants that are in a drainage area may require less. Some plants like more water than others. If this is all too confusing, don’t be discouraged. Figuring out every plant’s water needs just comes with experience and even we get it wrong sometimes. 

After three months, it’s time to slow down the frequency and go for deeper waterings with less frequency. We recommend every 2 to 3 weeks if there is no rain. 

Once the plant has doubled in size and is fairly well established (Usually after a year has passed). We recommend reducing the watering frequency to once a month or stop watering all together. You can stave off summer dormancy with a little extra water with some plants, but this can be detrimental to others. Again, this knowledge comes from experience and lots of trial and error.  If you have questions we’re happy to pass on what we know!

Should I use fertilizers or pesticides?

Native plants don’t need fertilizers or pesticides. Non-native plants often need such assistance to survive, but native plants have evolved with the micro ecology of our soil and do not respond well to fertilizers or pesticides. Many plants even thrive in what most would consider terrible soil conditions.

Some of my plants look dead, what happened?

Despite our best efforts, for a myriad of reasons, plants won’t make it. More times than not, it’s simply not the right spot for that particular species, but it can also have had trouble at the nursery even before it made it into the ground. 

However, if the plant is going through it’s dormant stage in late summer, it may look on the road to death and your first instinct may be to water it. Watering it while dormant will likely ensure it’s demise. As a California native gardener, you’ll need to adjust your expectations away from explosions of color throughout the summer that perhaps you grew up with in other parts of the country (as someone who grew up in Florida, I can relate). Once you get in tune with the seasonal rhythm of California’s native  plants, you’ll begin to observe and predict how they respond and how they typically look in each season. Many native plants go into a dormant stage in late summer only to be revived by winter rains. 

When is the best time to prune native shrubs and trees?

It depends on the plant species. Here’s a great pruning guide from Linda Richards for some popular native plants:

https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2018/01/15/here-are-tips-on-pruning-california-native-plants/