Water Wise Plants

This California native boasts large, shiny, heart-shaped leaves that give the plant a lush, almost tropical look. The leaves can be up to seven inches wide, which can hide the interesting maroon flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.

Asarum caudatum grows naturally in the coastal redwood forests and prefers a cool, moist environment. In Santa Clara County gardens with coastal influences, wild ginger can do well on a low water diet if given a shady spot and rich soil full of organic material. In drier landscapes, it may disappear in the summer months and reappear after the winter rains. 

This plant is extremely low maintenance. All it seems to need is the occasional removal of old leaves.