Ground covers can replace thirsty lawns
Q. With the likelihood that drought in California will continue, what can we substitute for lawns that require water? — Julie R., Paso Robles
A. There are many types of native ground covers that are drought tolerant, provide a habitat for wildlife, and protect our soils from erosion and deterioration.
Some of the most common and useful are our native manzanitas and Ceanothus, both of which have several low-growing, hardy varieties. Many have colorful flowers.
‘Pacific Mist’ manzanita is a gray green ground cover that is very fast-growing compared to other manzanita varieties. Low growing and sprawling, it loves beach sand, but tolerates clay.
Arctostaphylos Purrissima, another low growing manzanita, also can grow in beach sand in coastal regions. ‘Yankee Point,’ a fool- proof Ceanothus, is one foot tall, very tough, and an excellent weed barrier that can take some foot traffic. Ceanothus thryrsiflorus repens, “Low blue blossom,” grows prostrate with lots of attractive blue flowers.
Other attractive and useful natives include Baccharis, salvias and fuchsias. Baccharis piularis “Pigeon Point” is a dwarf coyote bush and is an excellent ground cover for stabilizing slopes; it grows in almost all regions. For inland gardens, try Mahonia repens, which does well with afternoon or full shade.
All sages and salvias are truly drought resistant California natives. Salvia mellifera repens, “Creeping Black Sage,” is a low-growing variety. Salvia leucophylla, “Point Sal,” grows a few inches tall and spreads 3-4 feet.
California fuchsia, known both as Zauschneria or Eepilobium, grows well in many plant communities. It has prolific red flowers and is a great magnet for hummingbirds.
This is but a small sampling of appropriate, low-growing plants that require little water and maintenance. Water them deeply only when dry until they are established and growing well. Once established, no additional irrigation is needed during the summer months or during the rainy season, except in times of extreme drought.
If you choose native plants, no fertilizer is required or recommended. And as with all landscape plants, it is best to shop at local nurseries close to home to select varieties suitable for your area. Another good approach is to look around around your neighborhood for thriving plants and choose from the neighbors’ established plant palette.
Nancy Hartwick is a UCCE Master Gardener.
Got a gardening question?
In San Luis Obispo call 781-5939, Arroyo Grande, 473-7190 and Templeton, 434-4105. Visit us at http://ucanr.org/sites/mgslo/ or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu. Follow us on Instagram at slo_mgs and like us on Facebook. Informative garden workshops are held the third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to noon at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. Garden docents are available after the workshop until 1 p.m. To request a tour of the garden, call 781-5939.
This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 5:13 AM with the headline "Ground covers can replace thirsty lawns."