The “bones” of the garden are typically referred to as shrubs. This is so because they do not only appeal to our senses. Shrubs may be an everlasting element of our environment, helping to define space, protect animals, and give texture and interest. When raising your shrub population, remember that not all shrubs will thrive in all locations.
If you reside in California or Nevada, you should choose plants that can withstand drought well. Listed below are some of our favorites.
Western Shrubs
What characteristics of shrubs do western gardeners seek? Drought resistance is a crucial trait, given the ongoing deficiency in rainfall. Additionally, a lot of homeowners want to introduce low-maintenance native bushes. Some shrubs from California and Nevada support or offer a home for animals, and they are continually in demand.
Before visiting the plant shop, you should take some time to consider what the shrub’s main use will be. Do you worry about being bothered by your neighbors? Do you want something with blazing leaves in the autumn, a spot for birds and squirrels to hang out, or are you hoping it will block the wind?
Think about the Shrub Site
The location may influence western shrub selections in the garden itself. How much room is there, both vertically and horizontally? If you do not give the shrub enough space to develop to its full, mature size, you will have to continually add “trim shrubs” to your yearly to-do list.
Think about the shrub’s form and how it will fit in the area. Your choice of shrubs may also be influenced by the kind of soil at the location. If you are unsure how it measures up, have a soil test. Also, pay attention to how much sun exposure there is during the day and across the seasons. You may start shopping after matching this information with your plant hardiness zone.
California Flowering Shrubs
Since they provide all the essential advantages of shrubs and the aesthetics and pollinator appeal of blooms, flowering bushes are popular among many of us. Consider one or more of the following western shrubs if this describes you. They are locals who contribute by giving food and shelter to native birds, bees, and beneficial insects so that you may welcome them.
Spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis): This deciduous shrub has deep green leaves and vivid red blooms, in addition to the musty, spicy scent that gives it its popular name. It is entirely deer resistant and develops quickly to a 10-foot (3 m) mound. It enjoys the sun but requires less water in regions with some shade.
California lilac (Ceanothus): In the buckthorn family, Ceanothus is a large genus that contains several attractive, useful, and varied North American species. These blooming shrubs, many of which are indigenous to California, produce an abundance of small, extremely scented blooms throughout the spring. They serve as food for other helpful insects, including butterfly and moth larvae. Requires full sun and adequate drainage.
California sunflower (Encelia californica): Despite their conventional name, these sunflowers may flourish as shrubs in Nevada or any backyard garden in a region with hot summers and good drainage. Nearly all of this mounding shrub’s stout branches are covered with vivid yellow daisies. The finest shrubs for southern California are those listed below.
Malva rosa (Lavatera assurgentiflora): Lavatera should be included on your short list of California flowering shrubs since it grows quickly, blooms quickly, and is resistant to deer. The plant produces spherical, rosy-purple blooms that resemble hollyhocks the first year after planting and may swiftly grow to 12 feet (4 meters). The beautiful leaves have a rich emerald green color and a maple leaf form.
Silver lupine (Lupinus albifrons): There are many different lupin species, some of which may grow as tall as the gardener who planted them. One of the taller species is silver lupine, although these bushes from Nevada are also fairly thick with silvery grey stems covered in flat, finger-like leaves. These have layers of blue, purple, and pea-like flowers on top in the spring. Lupines thrive on subpar soils and boldly self-sow under full light and sound drainage conditions.