Waterwise Plants

Garden Help

Summer water requirements for these plants can range from occasional (once or twice a month) to no summer water at all. Some cultivars are more drought tolerant than others. In general, plant in native soil and mulch well for best results. Remember that most plants will need regular water in their first year to get established. 

General waterwise tips

Demonstration Gardens

Waterwise plants can be seen in Master Garden Demonstration Gardens throughout Santa Clara County. The entries for individual plants will note which gardens, if any, are currently growing the plant. 

• Water Wise Garden section of Palo Alto Demonstration Garden
• Berger Native Demonstration Garden at the Berger county building in San Jose
• Native Garden Wheel at Emma Prusch Park in San Jose
• Several areas within the large Martial Cottle Park Demonstration Garden in San Jose: California Native, Habitat, Mediterranean Climate, Pollinator Hill, Garden to Glass, Rain Catchment, South Fence, and Succulent gardens

Please understand that we try to keep the plant information up to date, but changes do happen.

Additional resources

• Growing Natives Garden Tour
• UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars 
• East Bay MUD WaterSmart plants 

Plant Lists

These lists include plants that are currently planted or have been planted in the past in our various demonstration gardens throughout the county. View full plant listing or image gallery of all our plants.