Evergreen plants: The backbone of winter gardens

Does your winter garden feel a little… sleepy? Faded foliage, bare branches, and hardly a bird in sight? It doesn't have to be that way.

Take a cue from the pros and design for year-round interest. By planting mostly water-wise, evergreen California natives, along with a few climate-adapted non-natives, you can create a garden that stays vibrant in every season. Think beyond flowers and focus on plants that offer colorful bark and stems, glossy leaves, rich textures, sculptural shapes, and even winter fruit that attracts birds and other wildlife.

As Environmental Utilities' Water Conservation Administrator Bobby Alvarez puts it:

"California native and climate-adapted plants are naturally suited to our region, which means they use less water and thrive with minimal maintenance. Choosing the right plants is one of the easiest ways to use water wisely while still creating a beautiful, resilient landscape."



California natives to try:

• Ceanothus (California lilac) - evergreen foliage with stunning blooms
• Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) - beautiful bark and a size for every garden
• Toyon (Heteromeles) - winter berries that birds love

Climate-adapted non-natives:

• Bush Mallow (Lavatera maritima) - soft color and long bloom season
• Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) - velvety purple flowers
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - fragrant, evergreen, and useful
• Strawberry Tree (Arbutus) - year-round interest with bark, flowers, and fruit

Want to research deeper?

Check out these expert-recommended reads for inspiration and guidance:

• The California Native Landscape and The Drought-Defying California Garden by Greg Rubin and Lucy Warren
• California Native Plants for the Garden and Reimagining the California Lawn by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien