Western`s Water-wise 140 - Western Municipal Water District

Know your region,
know your water
Many Riverside County residents
are transplanted from elsewhere.
Therefore, it’s important to know
and understand our region’s water,
soil and climate.
Imported Water. Our local
water sources are not
plentiful enough to meet all of
our needs. Much of our water
is transported hundreds of
miles to our homes.
Soil Conditions. The soil in
this area varies. Select plants
appropriate to your soil type.
Unique Climate. Santa
Ana winds, hot summer
temperatures and sparse
rainfall require that you plan
before you plant.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem Sage
Gray foliage with yellow flowers. Attracts
hummingbirds.
Acacia redolens ‘Prostata’
Prostrate Acacia
Excellent large scale groundcover. Gray leaves
with small fragrant yellow pincushion flowers
in the spring.
Phoenix dactylifera
Date Palm
Long, gray-green leaves. Valued for edible dates.
Attractive trunk texture.
Achillea species
Yarrow
Dense, flat clusters of flowers that attract butterflies.
Fern-like, aromatic, gray or green foliage.
Moonshine variety has yellow flowers.
Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
Many varieties available offering a wide range of
foliage color and size. May rot in poor drainage.
Some varieties need some shade.
Agapanthus species
Lily of the Nile
Large, round clusters of lavender or white flowers
bloom on tall, thick stalks. Dwarf varieties available.
Photinia x fraseri
Red Tip
New growth is deep red and showy. Good screen
or large hedge.
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
Blue Glow Agave
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry Tree
4
DESCRIPTION
Produces edible green fruit. Pink, flower petals are
also edible. Attractive bark texture. Use as a small
specimen tree.
Alyogyne huegelii
Blue Hibiscus
Did you know that there is no “new”
water in the world? The water you
drink today was once consumed
by the dinosaurs! From the ancient
aqueducts of the Roman Empire to
the Inland Empire, the same water
flows. Understanding the water
cycle (above) is the first step toward
realizing how important efficient water
use is to everyone, especially those
of us who inhabit our arid region.
PLANT NAME
Acca sellowiana
Pineapple Guava
Aloe striata
Coral Aloe
The water cycle
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
Handsome plant that grows two to three feet. Very
drought tolerant.
Phyla nodiflora
Lippia, Kurapia®
Fleshy gray green leaves give rise to tall clusters of
coral-colored flowers in the spring.
This shrub grows to about six feet and has large,
shiny purple flowers that appear throughout the year.
Foliage is not dense.
Strawberry-like fruit attracts birds. Can be used
as a shrub or a slow-growing tree. Blooms in
fall and winter.
Archtostaphylos densiflora
‘Howard McMinn’
Howard McMinn Manzanita
CA native. An excellent manzanita for the
landscape. Can be sheared as a hedge or left natural
to display its beautiful wood.
Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’
Emerald Carpet Manzanita
Moderate moisture in full sun. Needs good drainage.
Slow-growing, tidy groundcover.
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
Wormwood
Good on slopes. Gray foliage makes it a good
contrast plant. Prefers full sun.
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’
Foxtail Fern
In the Inland Empire, it’s best grown in full or partial
shade. Sparse, red berries in the winter.
Baccharis ‘Centennial’
Centennial Desert Broom
Very tough shrub that grows to six feet. Bright green
foliage is tolerant of a lot of conditions.
CA native. Drought tolerant lawn substitute.
Only grows about two inches in height but spreads
more than two feet. Small flower clusters are
attractive to bees but can be mowed if not desired.
Kurapia is sterile variety.
Beneficial insects
protect water!
Decades of pesticide use coupled with
over watering have resulted in
chemical runoff entering
our storm drains, rivers and ocean.
Protecting your garden from bugs
while safeguarding the environment
is a balancing act that’s as fine as the
spray mist from a can of insecticide.
Keep in mind, it isn’t desirable to
eliminate all the bugs in your yard,
but you certainly don’t want your
prized roses covered with aphids.
By introducing environmentallyfriendly insects that eat other pesky
insects, you’ll diminish your use of
pesticides thus preserving the quality
of groundwater.
Ladybird beetles, aka
ladybugs...eat soft-bodied
insects such as aphids.
Praying mantis...devour
soft-bodied insects
like grasshoppers.
Order some beneficial insects
from your local nursery and plan
a “bug release” with your children
— a perfect opportunity for an
environmental lesson that’s fun!
Pinus canariensis
Canary Island Pine
Common pine used in southern California. A tall
and narrow tree that has long needles that provide
a soft texture.
Pistachia chinensis
Chinese Pistache
Nice shade tree. Leaves provide good fall color.
Grows best in loose soils. Tolerant of a variety
of conditions.
Pittosporum tobira
‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’
Dwarf Mock Orange
Compact, lush green shrub. Partial shade is best in
the Inland Empire.
Platanus acerifolia
London Plane
Performs well in heat and smog. Sheds large, brown
leaves in the fall.
Platanus racemosa
California Sycamore
CA native. Picturesque large deciduous tree. Prefers
some summer water.
Pyracantha ‘Santa Cruz’
Firethorn
Cream-colored flowers turn to orange berries in fall.
Dark green foliage and thorns. Subject to fire blight.
Don’t overwater. Prefers loose soil.
Limiting the use of pesticides
and fertilizers.
Quercus agrifolia
Coast Live Oak
CA native. Large evergreen tree. Extensive root
system. Very water-efficient once established.
Don’t overwater.
Making sure you are
watering appropriately and
not over irrigating.
Quercus engelmannii
Mesa Oak
Southern California native. Slow-growing evergreen
shade tree.
You can help protect our
groundwater supplies
Although Western imports much
of its water, groundwater is part of
the water supply equation in the
Inland Empire. Groundwater basins
are natural underground aquifers,
reservoirs of fresh water in sands
and silt flowing tens to hundreds
of feet below the ground’s surface.
Protecting our groundwater supply is
an utmost priority. You can help by...
Avoiding runoff by using mulch.
Picking up pet droppings.
13
Turf tidbits
Bermuda. Fescue. Zoysia. Turf is
often a component in your front or
backyard. There’s no better landscape
plant material for tolerating the foot
traffic of people and pets. However,
if mismanaged, turf can gobble up
water. Be practical in your placement
of lawn, using it for functional
purposes, such as a play area. The
traditional lawn grasses require more
water per square foot than most other
landscape plantings. Keep in mind,
simple geometric shapes are easier to
maintain and irrigate efficiently.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
May go dormant in winter
Uses more water
Mainly evergreen
Requires frequent mowing
Baccharis pilularis
Dwarf Coyote Bush
CA native. Dependable groundcover. Good on
slopes. ‘Pigeon Point’ is slightly larger and lighter
green than ‘Twin Peaks’.
Miscanthus sinensis
Maiden Grass
Flower plumes bloom above foliage. Leaves of
‘Morning Light’ variety are banded white.
Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’
Barbara Karst Bougainvillea
Large woody vine with brilliant magenta color. Can
be damaged by frost but recovers quickly if pruned
in early spring. Native to Baja CA.
Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’
Dwarf Myrtle
Slow-growing. Can be kept as a small, formal
hedge with shearing. Small, white flowers
become dark berries.
Brahea armata
Mexican Blue Palm
Native to Baja CA. Tolerates drought. Leaves
are a unique, silvery-blue color. Flowers hang
down 10-12 feet.
Nandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo
Good screen for small spaces. Good fall color and
large clumps of red berries. Many varieties available,
some dwarf.
Brahea edulis
Guadalupe Palm
Native to Baja CA. Grows to 30 feet in height
and has self-shedding fronds. Fruit hangs in long
clusters in late spring and is edible.
Olea europaea
Olive
Valued for the trunk and branch structure.
Fruitless varieties available.
Berberis ‘Golden Abundance’
Golden Abundance
Oregon Grape
Dense shrub with shiny green leaves and yellow
flowers that are followed by clusters of blue berries.
Osmanthus fragrans
Sweet Olive
Tiny, cream-colored flowers are intensely fragrant in
the evenings. Prefers light shade while young.
Berberis aquifolium
Oregon Grape
CA native. Blue berries in the winter can be used
to make jelly. The ‘Compacta’ variety grows to
two feet tall.
Parkinsonia aculeata
Mexican Palo Verde
Thin foliage casts filtered shade. Very showy yellow
blooms during warm months. Doesn’t like wet soils.
Water very infrequently, if at all.
Berberis bealei
Leatherleaf Mahonia
Vertical stems with stiff, large, leathery leaves
that lay out horizontally. Yellow flowers and
showy blue berries.
Berberis repens
Creeping Mahonia
CA native. Spreads by runners. Foliage may turn
maroon in winter.
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush
Fountain shaped shrub. Attracts butterflies. White,
pink or purple blooms. Prune heavily after frost.
Bulbine frutescens
Stalked Bulbine
Low-spreading clump of succulent, long, narrow
leaves. Attractive year round.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird
of Paradise
Fast growing shrub to ten feet or small tree to twenty
feet. Produces very showy bright orange and yellow
flowers in the spring on floiage that is fern-like.
Loves the heat.
Callistemon citrinus
Lemon Bottle Brush
Attracts hummingbirds. Moderate amounts of water
results in a profusion of red, spring blooms.
Calylophus berlandieri
Sun Drops, Arizona Primrose
Groundcover that grows to four feet in width and
up to a foot tall. From spring to fall it is covered in
bright yellow flowers if in full sun.
Fescue, Bluegrass, Rye
Caring for lawns
Encourage deep rooting
by irrigating deeply and
infrequently.
Using a mulching mower,
maintain a cool season turf
grass blade height of three
inches in warm months to
shade roots.
Lawn problems are best
prevented by choosing a
type that’s well adapted
to the arid climate.
12
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
‘Veitchii’
Boston Ivy
Self-clinging and fast growing. Attractive, lobed
leaves with red fall color. Deciduous.
Pelargonium graveolens
Rose-scented Geranium
Rose-scented fuzzy foliage and pink flowers make
this a garden favorite. Trim back late winter.
Pelargonium sidiodes
South African Geranium
Low growing perennial forms think 12-inch mound
with dark burgundy flowers.
Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon
CA native. Red, tubular flowers attract
hummingbirds. Tolerates heat. Needs good drainage.
What the heck is
evapotranspiration?
DESCRIPTION
Trunk is covered with white bark that peels off in
attractive sheets. Good shade tree for narrow areas.
Zoysia, St. Augustine, Buffalo,
Bermuda
COOL SEASON TURF
PLANT NAME
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Cajeput Tree
WARM SEASON TURF
Typically uses less water
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a
measurement of the amount of
water that’s transpired or used
by irrigated plant materials and
evaporated from the surrounding
soil. ET varies by location, time and
weather conditions. Measurement of
this rate is reported by the California
Department of Water Resources
(DWR) and is used throughout
the state by farmers; golf courses;
cities and counties; home owners'
associations; and other large irrigators
to manage their irrigation systems.
Although the DWR measures ET on a
daily basis so large irrigators like golf
courses can adjust their water usage
daily, simply adjusting your irrigation
schedule seasonally will save water.
Let it rain, let it rain,
let it rain
The average rainfall in western
Riverside County is just 11.5 inches
per year*. Remember to turn off your
automatic sprinklers when it rains.
Install a rain shut-off device. Or better
yet, install a weather-based irrigation
controller.
*
Penstemon heterophyllus x
‘Margarita BOP’
Foothill Penstemon
CA native. Bright blue-purple flowers spikes emerge
in the spring and attract humminbirds.
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian Sage
Light lavender blooms on gray-green foliage. Needs
good drainage.
Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District
5
The “dirt” on soil
How important is your soil? Soil
is the most important part of
water-efficient landscaping. It retains
moisture while providing nutrients and
support for plants. Soil dictates how
you water. First, determine your soil
type. Then, make any adjustments.
Clay – Clay is great at holding
onto water. Unfortunately, this
dense soil drains poorly. Its texture
is smooth. When it’s wet, it can be
pressed into ribbons.
Loam – Loam is similar to the
perfect gardening soil, a mixture
of all soil types. It’s rich in organic
materials. Loam drains well after
watering and doesn’t compact.
Sand – Sandy soil is made up of large
particles. More space is available
between these particles because
of their size. This provides good
drainage but dries out quickly.
Nurturing natives
Choosing plants native to the arid
regions of California can reduce the
need to irrigate. These plants have
adapted to our warm, dry climate, and
once established in your landscape,
require little water. Many native plants
can be difficult to grow if over watered
or the soil is too dense. Nurseries
offer native cultivars that may better
adapt to irrigated landscapes. These
plants combine the best of both
worlds — thriving on less water and
tolerating our nurtured landscape
conditions. Examples include…
Arbutus ‘Marina’
Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’
Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’
Salvia ‘Dara’s Choice’
6
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Carpenteria californica
Bush Anemone
CA native shrub. Prefers some summer water
and a little shade. Produces beautiful white flowers
in the spring.
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Concha Ceanothus
CA native shrub. Fast growing to eight feet.
Flowers are produced in early spring and are
an intense deep blue color.
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
‘Yankee Point’
Yankee Point Ceanothus
CA native. Glossy, dark green leaves. Medium-blue
flowers. Slow-growing, tall ground cover.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
‘Snow Flurry’
Snowy Flurry Ceanothus
CA native. Showy, white flowers. Good low-wateruse screen or hedge. Needs good drainage.
Centranthus ruber
Jupiter’s Beard
Cut back to rejuvenate. Flowers pink and white.
Reseeds. Can be invasive.
Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud
Pink blooms along all branches in winter prior to
“leafing-out.” ‘Forest Pansy’ variety has bronze
foliage. Beautiful small tree.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Deciduous medium-sized tree. Yellow flowers are
followed by large clusters of papery seed pods that
look like tiny lanterns. Drops lots of viable seeds.
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle
Small deciduous tree with showy clusters of
crinkly flowers in the summer consisting of either
bright hues of white, pink, crimson, or lavender.
Tree bark is attractive.
Lantana cultivars
Lantana
Fast-growing groundcover or low shrub to eight feet
in width. Comes in a variety of flower colors and
flowers most of the year. Loves full sun and heat.
Frost sensitive. Attractive to butterflies.
Instead of just basil, how
about African basil, which is
a lovely shade of purple.
Lavandula dentata
French Lavender
Remove spent lavender-blue blooms to prolong
flowering. Thin growth to prevent woodiness.
Don’t overwater.
Lavandula ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’
Goodwin Creek Lavender
Culinary and aromatic herb with gray foliage and a
strong, lavender fragrance.
If you have thyme, consider
one of the 350 varieties of
this commonly-used herb.
Lemon thyme has bright
yellow, lemon-scented
foliage.
Dark purple flower spikes topped with two-four
bracts that resemble rabbit ears. Can spread to form
a thick groundcover.
Tidy, multi-trunked small specimen palm.
Bluish-green leaves.
Lavatera maritima
Tree Mallow
Fast growing large shrub with spring and
summer blooming lavendar flowers that look
similar to hibiscus.
Chilopsis linearis
Desert Willow
Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom through
long summer season. ‘Burgundy’ variety
has no seed pods.
Leonotis leonurus
Lion’s Tail
Showy orange blossoms that grow in whorls on tall
stems in the late winter. Cut back after flowering.
Chitalpa tashkentensis
Chitalpa
Fast-growing small tree. Trumpet-like pink flowers.
Very tolerant of heat.
Leptospermum laevigatum
Australian Tea Tree
White blooms. Can be used as a specimen tree or
informal hedge.
Cistus species
Rockrose
Tolerates heat and sun. Grows best with good
drainage. Good on slopes. Flowers prolifically in the
spring. Many varieties available.
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Ranger
Light lavender blooms on gray foliage. Needs heat
and some humidity to bloom.
Citrus species
Orange
Washington Navel is seedless, bearing fruit
December-February. ‘Valencia’ bears fruit in
summer that stores well on the tree. Dwarf
forms are eight feet tall.
Leucophyllum ‘Green Cloud’
Green Cloud Texas Ranger
Light lavender blooms on green foliage. Needs heat
and some humidity to bloom.
CA native. Evergreen large shrub or small tree
with growth to 15 feet. Very drought tolerant.
Useful screen material.
Chamaerops humilis
Mediterranean Fan Palm
Coleonema pulchrum
Pink Breath of Heaven
Tiny pink flowers and green wispy foliage.
Prune to rejuvenate.
Herbs, which are fragrant, flavorful
and/or medicinal plants, thrive on
neglect...too much water and they
lose their luster. Herbs make great
plant choices for our arid climate.
In addition to their interior uses –
cooking, potpourri – some specimens
have unusual characteristics.
Koelreutaria paniculata
Goldenrain Tree
Lavandula stoechas
Spanish Lavender
Cercocarpus betuloides
Mountain Ironwood
Now you’re cookin’!
The majorca pink variety
of rosemary has unique
pink blooms. Strip the
leaves off a stem and
you have a great skewer
for shishkebob.
Creature comforts
Gardens containing a variety of
climate-appropriate plants are
typically teeming with life. Plants
suggested below will attract visitors to
your garden and give those wildlife
friends, such as hummingbirds
and butterflies, a safe haven.
Achillea species – Yarrow
Limonium perezii
Sea Lavender
Perennial with large wavy, green leaves. Large
clusters of papery, purple flowers bloom on tall,
thin stalks.
Buddleja davidii –
Butterfly Bush
Lavandula species – Lavender
Penstemon – Beard Tongue
Gaillardia grandiflora –
Blanket Flower
Tecoma stans – Yellow Bells
11
Happy neighbors soak up
water at the same rate
It’s difficult to be water efficient if
neighboring plant materials have
vastly different water needs. The
practice of grouping plant materials
based on water needs is called
hydrozoning. A California native that
requires very little summer water
and a water-loving shrub won’t
make for happy yard neighbors.
Select plants and group them
according to their water needs.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Geranium macrorrhizum
Big Root Geranium
Spreads by underground roots. Fragrant lobed
leaves. Groundcover for small areas.
Continus coggygria
‘Velvet Cloak’
Purple Smoke Bush
Purple foliage. White seeds give a “smoke” effect.
Likes good drainage. Don’t over-fertilize.
Geranium sanguineum
‘Striatum’
Striped Cranesbill
Pink flowers with dark stripe. Lobed leaves. Good
perennial garden plant. Grows in neat, small
mounds.
Cotoneaster dammeri
‘Lowfast’
Bearberry Cotoneaster
Bright, red berries in fall and winter. Good
groundcover for slopes. Sturdy plant.
Ginko biloba
Maidenhair Tree
Yellow fall color. Slow growing in dense soil.
Prefers sandy loam soil.
Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm
Grows best in the Inland Empire in partial shade.
Gleditsia triacanthos
Honey Locust
New leaf growth is brilliant yellow then turns green.
‘Shademaster’ variety “leafs-out” green.
Dietes species
Fortnight Lily
White or yellow blooming varieties. Divide when
plants start to look shaggy. Easy to grow.
Grevillea ‘Noellii’
Noell Grevillea
Interesting red blooms. Needle-like foliage. Needs
good drainage. Use as a barrier or informal hedge.
Dodonea viscosa
Hopseed Bush
Fast growing shrub to fifteen feet. Makes excellent
large hedge. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Arbutus unedo
‘Strawberry Tree’
Grevillea lanigera
Woolly Grevillea
Attractive spreading, mounding shrub. Behaves
more like a groundcover. Produces pink and white
flowers from late winter to fall.
Dymondia margaretae
No common name
Mat-like. Use between stepping stones. Gray-green
foliage with modest yellow flowers.
Cistus species
'Rock Rose'
Leucophyllum frutescens
'Texas Ranger'
Hemerocallis hybrids
Daylily
Many bloom colors available. Dwarf varieties
available. Some varieties are deciduous.
Epilobium canum
California Fuchsia
CA native perennial that is one of few that flowers in
the summer. Plant has small light green leaves and
bright orange-red flowers that are very attractive to
hummingbirds.
Berberis repens
‘Creeping Mahonia’
Hesperaloe parviflora
Red Yucca
Produces long stems of clusters of red tubular
flowers that birds love - spring through summer.
Eriobotrya deflexa
Bronze Loquat
Good patio tree. Protect from wind and heat.
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Christmas Berry, Toyon
California native. Small tree or large shrub. Red
berries in fall and winter provide food for birds. Can
survive without summer water once established.
Eucalyptus citriodora
Lemon-scented Gum
White trunk and branches. Seed pods follow flowers.
Lemon-scented foliage.
Heuchera species
Coral Bells
There are CA native species of Heucheras and there
are fancy hybrid varieties. All bear delicate pink
or white flower stalks in the spring, and all prefer
partial or full shade. The fancy varieties require
more water.
Gaillardia x grandiflora
Blanket flower
Native to SW United States. Yellow to orange daisylike flowers throughout most of the year. Reseeds
very easy. Very drought tolerant.
Sedum rubrotinctum
Pork & Beans
Rosa californica
California Wild Rose
Salvia Clevelandii
Cleveland Sage
10
Iris douglasiana
Pacific Coast Iris
CA native. For informal gardens. Plant under shady
trees in Inland Empire. Native to Pacific coast states.
Blue flowers.
Juniperus chinensis
procumbens ‘Nana’
Prostrate Juniper
Curved branches. Bluish-green foliage. Very low
growing if planted with room to grow. Makes a
tough groundcover.
Koelreutaria bipinnata
Chinese Flame Tree
Deciduous medium-sized tree. Roots grow deeply.
Yellow flowers and pink seed pods.
Throughout the world, you’ll find
different climates. Did you know that
western Riverside County actually
has a Mediterranean climate? By
selecting plant materials native to
Mediterranean regions, the plant
choices for your landscape increase
while remaining water-efficient.
Plants found in these countries are
adaptable to a climate similar to the
Inland Empire...
EGYPT
GREECE
Plants for brown thumbs!
Looking for some ideal choices in
water-efficient plants? Try these!
They are uniquely attractive and
easy to grow—even for the brownest
of thumbs! They can all be seen
at Western’s water efficiency
education garden.
Is Riverside County
like Portugal? YES!
Gaura lindheimeri
Wand Flower
Southwest native. Long blooming season. Varieties
with white or pink flowers are available.
Gelsemium sempervirens
Carolina Jessamine
Yellow blooming vine. Vigorous grower. All parts of
this plant are poisonous.
Geranium incanum
Cranesbill
Little purple flowers on fine green foliage are
attractive all year. Reseeds. Trim back to rejuvenate
growth. Great slope groundcover.
ITALY
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
What is a microclimate?
Southern California has several
climates, and your neighborhood,
even your own yard, has its very own
special set of climate circumstances.
A microclimate is created when
something modifies the climate. For
example, your house casts shade on
the north side, receives the cooler
morning sun on the east side and is
exposed to the hot sun on the south
side. By factoring these conditions
into your landscape plan, you’ll
have more success in achieving
a water-efficient yard.
Some appropriate choices for...
NORTH...SHADED
Leather-leafed Mahonia
Pacific Coast Iris
SOUTH...INTENSE SUNLIGHT
Cleveland Sage
Texas Ranger
EAST...COOL, RISING SUN
Daylily
California Coffeeberry
WEST...HOT, SETTING SUN
Lavender
Fortnight Lily
7
5
The seven principles of
water-efficient landscaping
1
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7
4
/
8
3
9
5
*
6
2
0
1
+
.
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Before you buy one plant or sprinkler head, plan your landscape. By
planning your landscape on paper, you’ll save water, time and money. A
well-planned design takes many factors into consideration: site analysis,
needs assessment, design principles, plant selection, available water and the
maintenance time and cost following installation.
Improve the soil
Make the texture of the soil richer and healthier by adding organic
amendments such as compost. Amendments help increase water retention
in sandy soils. They improve drainage in clay soils, commonly found in
the Inland Empire region. It may also be beneficial to raise planter areas by
mounding or creating raised beds with framing materials such as railroad ties,
recycled concrete or cement blocks.
3
Organize your landscape into hydrozones – groups of plants with similar
water needs. Choose plant materials that are suitable to your climate.
Microclimates occur where natural or man-made features, such as a
house, fence or tree, modify sun and wind patterns. Get to know the
microclimates that exist in your yard and take advantage of them. Install
plant materials with high water needs on the shady, north side of your house
or fence or under the shade of a tree.
Reduce areas of nonfunctional turf (your lawn). Cool-season turf is one of
the thirstiest plants in the landscape. Limit turf to only those areas that are
used as playing surfaces or receive foot traffic. Try creative alternatives –
turn a front lawn into an entry garden, use warm-season turf in children’s
play areas, transform side yards into lush niche gardens or incorporate a
forest of trees, under-plantings and a meandering, decomposed granite
walkway. Visit Western’s Landscapes Southern California StyleSM to see
examples of niche gardens you can create in your own landscape.
8
2
Group plants by water need
Use turf for function
A properly designed and operated irrigation system can reduce water use
by 25 percent or more each year. Install the proper irrigation components,
schedule according to plants’ needs and check your system regularly for
necessary adjustments, leaks and repairs. Consider using drip irrigation for
all areas other than lawns. Adjust your irrigation at least seasonally. Above
all, don’t overwater. Try cutting back—you may be surprised!
Use mulch
Plan and design properly
C
Irrigate efficiently
Mulch is a layer of organic or inorganic material placed on top of the
soil. A layer of mulch 3 to 5 inches deep will conserve water by reducing
evaporation. It also helps to suppress weeds that can rob your plants of
available moisture. Organic mulches are comprised of any material that
was once living: composted grass clippings, shredded tree trimmings,
straw or ground bark. Inorganic mulches are nonliving materials, such as
gravel, stones or porous landscape fabric.
7
6
Maintain appropriately
Maintenance plays a crucial role in the success of your landscape. Proper
maintenance nearly guarantees plant health and contributes to efficient use of
water. Maintenance is not limited to occasional pruning, weeding or mowing.
It’s important to maintain your irrigation system as well. This includes tasks
such as cleaning sprinkler screens and drip filters, readjusting sprinkler
spray patterns, replacing damaged components, repairing leaks and adjusting
watering schedules to meet seasonal needs.
“Creating a water-efficient landscape takes planning. The time you
invest, however, will be more than returned with lower water bills plus
an easier to maintain, attractive yard.”
4
9
Happy neighbors soak up
water at the same rate
It’s difficult to be water efficient if
neighboring plant materials have
vastly different water needs. The
practice of grouping plant materials
based on water needs is called
hydrozoning. A California native that
requires very little summer water
and a water-loving shrub won’t
make for happy yard neighbors.
Select plants and group them
according to their water needs.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Geranium macrorrhizum
Big Root Geranium
Spreads by underground roots. Fragrant lobed
leaves. Groundcover for small areas.
Continus coggygria
‘Velvet Cloak’
Purple Smoke Bush
Purple foliage. White seeds give a “smoke” effect.
Likes good drainage. Don’t over-fertilize.
Geranium sanguineum
‘Striatum’
Striped Cranesbill
Pink flowers with dark stripe. Lobed leaves. Good
perennial garden plant. Grows in neat, small
mounds.
Cotoneaster dammeri
‘Lowfast’
Bearberry Cotoneaster
Bright, red berries in fall and winter. Good
groundcover for slopes. Sturdy plant.
Ginko biloba
Maidenhair Tree
Yellow fall color. Slow growing in dense soil.
Prefers sandy loam soil.
Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm
Grows best in the Inland Empire in partial shade.
Gleditsia triacanthos
Honey Locust
New leaf growth is brilliant yellow then turns green.
‘Shademaster’ variety “leafs-out” green.
Dietes species
Fortnight Lily
White or yellow blooming varieties. Divide when
plants start to look shaggy. Easy to grow.
Grevillea ‘Noellii’
Noell Grevillea
Interesting red blooms. Needle-like foliage. Needs
good drainage. Use as a barrier or informal hedge.
Dodonea viscosa
Hopseed Bush
Fast growing shrub to fifteen feet. Makes excellent
large hedge. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Arbutus unedo
‘Strawberry Tree’
Grevillea lanigera
Woolly Grevillea
Attractive spreading, mounding shrub. Behaves
more like a groundcover. Produces pink and white
flowers from late winter to fall.
Dymondia margaretae
No common name
Mat-like. Use between stepping stones. Gray-green
foliage with modest yellow flowers.
Cistus species
'Rock Rose'
Leucophyllum frutescens
'Texas Ranger'
Hemerocallis hybrids
Daylily
Many bloom colors available. Dwarf varieties
available. Some varieties are deciduous.
Epilobium canum
California Fuchsia
CA native perennial that is one of few that flowers in
the summer. Plant has small light green leaves and
bright orange-red flowers that are very attractive to
hummingbirds.
Berberis repens
‘Creeping Mahonia’
Hesperaloe parviflora
Red Yucca
Produces long stems of clusters of red tubular
flowers that birds love - spring through summer.
Eriobotrya deflexa
Bronze Loquat
Good patio tree. Protect from wind and heat.
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Christmas Berry, Toyon
California native. Small tree or large shrub. Red
berries in fall and winter provide food for birds. Can
survive without summer water once established.
Eucalyptus citriodora
Lemon-scented Gum
White trunk and branches. Seed pods follow flowers.
Lemon-scented foliage.
Heuchera species
Coral Bells
There are CA native species of Heucheras and there
are fancy hybrid varieties. All bear delicate pink
or white flower stalks in the spring, and all prefer
partial or full shade. The fancy varieties require
more water.
Gaillardia x grandiflora
Blanket flower
Native to SW United States. Yellow to orange daisylike flowers throughout most of the year. Reseeds
very easy. Very drought tolerant.
Sedum rubrotinctum
Pork & Beans
Rosa californica
California Wild Rose
Salvia Clevelandii
Cleveland Sage
10
Iris douglasiana
Pacific Coast Iris
CA native. For informal gardens. Plant under shady
trees in Inland Empire. Native to Pacific coast states.
Blue flowers.
Juniperus chinensis
procumbens ‘Nana’
Prostrate Juniper
Curved branches. Bluish-green foliage. Very low
growing if planted with room to grow. Makes a
tough groundcover.
Koelreutaria bipinnata
Chinese Flame Tree
Deciduous medium-sized tree. Roots grow deeply.
Yellow flowers and pink seed pods.
Throughout the world, you’ll find
different climates. Did you know that
western Riverside County actually
has a Mediterranean climate? By
selecting plant materials native to
Mediterranean regions, the plant
choices for your landscape increase
while remaining water-efficient.
Plants found in these countries are
adaptable to a climate similar to the
Inland Empire...
EGYPT
GREECE
Plants for brown thumbs!
Looking for some ideal choices in
water-efficient plants? Try these!
They are uniquely attractive and
easy to grow—even for the brownest
of thumbs! They can all be seen
at Western’s water efficiency
education garden.
Is Riverside County
like Portugal? YES!
Gaura lindheimeri
Wand Flower
Southwest native. Long blooming season. Varieties
with white or pink flowers are available.
Gelsemium sempervirens
Carolina Jessamine
Yellow blooming vine. Vigorous grower. All parts of
this plant are poisonous.
Geranium incanum
Cranesbill
Little purple flowers on fine green foliage are
attractive all year. Reseeds. Trim back to rejuvenate
growth. Great slope groundcover.
ITALY
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
What is a microclimate?
Southern California has several
climates, and your neighborhood,
even your own yard, has its very own
special set of climate circumstances.
A microclimate is created when
something modifies the climate. For
example, your house casts shade on
the north side, receives the cooler
morning sun on the east side and is
exposed to the hot sun on the south
side. By factoring these conditions
into your landscape plan, you’ll
have more success in achieving
a water-efficient yard.
Some appropriate choices for...
NORTH...SHADED
Leather-leafed Mahonia
Pacific Coast Iris
SOUTH...INTENSE SUNLIGHT
Cleveland Sage
Texas Ranger
EAST...COOL, RISING SUN
Daylily
California Coffeeberry
WEST...HOT, SETTING SUN
Lavender
Fortnight Lily
7
The “dirt” on soil
How important is your soil? Soil
is the most important part of
water-efficient landscaping. It retains
moisture while providing nutrients and
support for plants. Soil dictates how
you water. First, determine your soil
type. Then, make any adjustments.
Clay – Clay is great at holding
onto water. Unfortunately, this
dense soil drains poorly. Its texture
is smooth. When it’s wet, it can be
pressed into ribbons.
Loam – Loam is similar to the
perfect gardening soil, a mixture
of all soil types. It’s rich in organic
materials. Loam drains well after
watering and doesn’t compact.
Sand – Sandy soil is made up of large
particles. More space is available
between these particles because
of their size. This provides good
drainage but dries out quickly.
Nurturing natives
Choosing plants native to the arid
regions of California can reduce the
need to irrigate. These plants have
adapted to our warm, dry climate, and
once established in your landscape,
require little water. Many native plants
can be difficult to grow if over watered
or the soil is too dense. Nurseries
offer native cultivars that may better
adapt to irrigated landscapes. These
plants combine the best of both
worlds — thriving on less water and
tolerating our nurtured landscape
conditions. Examples include…
Arbutus ‘Marina’
Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’
Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’
Salvia ‘Dara’s Choice’
6
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Carpenteria californica
Bush Anemone
CA native shrub. Prefers some summer water
and a little shade. Produces beautiful white flowers
in the spring.
Ceanothus ‘Concha’
Concha Ceanothus
CA native shrub. Fast growing to eight feet.
Flowers are produced in early spring and are
an intense deep blue color.
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
‘Yankee Point’
Yankee Point Ceanothus
CA native. Glossy, dark green leaves. Medium-blue
flowers. Slow-growing, tall ground cover.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
‘Snow Flurry’
Snowy Flurry Ceanothus
CA native. Showy, white flowers. Good low-wateruse screen or hedge. Needs good drainage.
Centranthus ruber
Jupiter’s Beard
Cut back to rejuvenate. Flowers pink and white.
Reseeds. Can be invasive.
Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud
Pink blooms along all branches in winter prior to
“leafing-out.” ‘Forest Pansy’ variety has bronze
foliage. Beautiful small tree.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Deciduous medium-sized tree. Yellow flowers are
followed by large clusters of papery seed pods that
look like tiny lanterns. Drops lots of viable seeds.
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle
Small deciduous tree with showy clusters of
crinkly flowers in the summer consisting of either
bright hues of white, pink, crimson, or lavender.
Tree bark is attractive.
Lantana cultivars
Lantana
Fast-growing groundcover or low shrub to eight feet
in width. Comes in a variety of flower colors and
flowers most of the year. Loves full sun and heat.
Frost sensitive. Attractive to butterflies.
Instead of just basil, how
about African basil, which is
a lovely shade of purple.
Lavandula dentata
French Lavender
Remove spent lavender-blue blooms to prolong
flowering. Thin growth to prevent woodiness.
Don’t overwater.
Lavandula ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’
Goodwin Creek Lavender
Culinary and aromatic herb with gray foliage and a
strong, lavender fragrance.
If you have thyme, consider
one of the 350 varieties of
this commonly-used herb.
Lemon thyme has bright
yellow, lemon-scented
foliage.
Dark purple flower spikes topped with two-four
bracts that resemble rabbit ears. Can spread to form
a thick groundcover.
Tidy, multi-trunked small specimen palm.
Bluish-green leaves.
Lavatera maritima
Tree Mallow
Fast growing large shrub with spring and
summer blooming lavendar flowers that look
similar to hibiscus.
Chilopsis linearis
Desert Willow
Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom through
long summer season. ‘Burgundy’ variety
has no seed pods.
Leonotis leonurus
Lion’s Tail
Showy orange blossoms that grow in whorls on tall
stems in the late winter. Cut back after flowering.
Chitalpa tashkentensis
Chitalpa
Fast-growing small tree. Trumpet-like pink flowers.
Very tolerant of heat.
Leptospermum laevigatum
Australian Tea Tree
White blooms. Can be used as a specimen tree or
informal hedge.
Cistus species
Rockrose
Tolerates heat and sun. Grows best with good
drainage. Good on slopes. Flowers prolifically in the
spring. Many varieties available.
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Ranger
Light lavender blooms on gray foliage. Needs heat
and some humidity to bloom.
Citrus species
Orange
Washington Navel is seedless, bearing fruit
December-February. ‘Valencia’ bears fruit in
summer that stores well on the tree. Dwarf
forms are eight feet tall.
Leucophyllum ‘Green Cloud’
Green Cloud Texas Ranger
Light lavender blooms on green foliage. Needs heat
and some humidity to bloom.
CA native. Evergreen large shrub or small tree
with growth to 15 feet. Very drought tolerant.
Useful screen material.
Chamaerops humilis
Mediterranean Fan Palm
Coleonema pulchrum
Pink Breath of Heaven
Tiny pink flowers and green wispy foliage.
Prune to rejuvenate.
Herbs, which are fragrant, flavorful
and/or medicinal plants, thrive on
neglect...too much water and they
lose their luster. Herbs make great
plant choices for our arid climate.
In addition to their interior uses –
cooking, potpourri – some specimens
have unusual characteristics.
Koelreutaria paniculata
Goldenrain Tree
Lavandula stoechas
Spanish Lavender
Cercocarpus betuloides
Mountain Ironwood
Now you’re cookin’!
The majorca pink variety
of rosemary has unique
pink blooms. Strip the
leaves off a stem and
you have a great skewer
for shishkebob.
Creature comforts
Gardens containing a variety of
climate-appropriate plants are
typically teeming with life. Plants
suggested below will attract visitors to
your garden and give those wildlife
friends, such as hummingbirds
and butterflies, a safe haven.
Achillea species – Yarrow
Limonium perezii
Sea Lavender
Perennial with large wavy, green leaves. Large
clusters of papery, purple flowers bloom on tall,
thin stalks.
Buddleja davidii –
Butterfly Bush
Lavandula species – Lavender
Penstemon – Beard Tongue
Gaillardia grandiflora –
Blanket Flower
Tecoma stans – Yellow Bells
11
Turf tidbits
Bermuda. Fescue. Zoysia. Turf is
often a component in your front or
backyard. There’s no better landscape
plant material for tolerating the foot
traffic of people and pets. However,
if mismanaged, turf can gobble up
water. Be practical in your placement
of lawn, using it for functional
purposes, such as a play area. The
traditional lawn grasses require more
water per square foot than most other
landscape plantings. Keep in mind,
simple geometric shapes are easier to
maintain and irrigate efficiently.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
May go dormant in winter
Uses more water
Mainly evergreen
Requires frequent mowing
Baccharis pilularis
Dwarf Coyote Bush
CA native. Dependable groundcover. Good on
slopes. ‘Pigeon Point’ is slightly larger and lighter
green than ‘Twin Peaks’.
Miscanthus sinensis
Maiden Grass
Flower plumes bloom above foliage. Leaves of
‘Morning Light’ variety are banded white.
Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’
Barbara Karst Bougainvillea
Large woody vine with brilliant magenta color. Can
be damaged by frost but recovers quickly if pruned
in early spring. Native to Baja CA.
Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’
Dwarf Myrtle
Slow-growing. Can be kept as a small, formal
hedge with shearing. Small, white flowers
become dark berries.
Brahea armata
Mexican Blue Palm
Native to Baja CA. Tolerates drought. Leaves
are a unique, silvery-blue color. Flowers hang
down 10-12 feet.
Nandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo
Good screen for small spaces. Good fall color and
large clumps of red berries. Many varieties available,
some dwarf.
Brahea edulis
Guadalupe Palm
Native to Baja CA. Grows to 30 feet in height
and has self-shedding fronds. Fruit hangs in long
clusters in late spring and is edible.
Olea europaea
Olive
Valued for the trunk and branch structure.
Fruitless varieties available.
Berberis ‘Golden Abundance’
Golden Abundance
Oregon Grape
Dense shrub with shiny green leaves and yellow
flowers that are followed by clusters of blue berries.
Osmanthus fragrans
Sweet Olive
Tiny, cream-colored flowers are intensely fragrant in
the evenings. Prefers light shade while young.
Berberis aquifolium
Oregon Grape
CA native. Blue berries in the winter can be used
to make jelly. The ‘Compacta’ variety grows to
two feet tall.
Parkinsonia aculeata
Mexican Palo Verde
Thin foliage casts filtered shade. Very showy yellow
blooms during warm months. Doesn’t like wet soils.
Water very infrequently, if at all.
Berberis bealei
Leatherleaf Mahonia
Vertical stems with stiff, large, leathery leaves
that lay out horizontally. Yellow flowers and
showy blue berries.
Berberis repens
Creeping Mahonia
CA native. Spreads by runners. Foliage may turn
maroon in winter.
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush
Fountain shaped shrub. Attracts butterflies. White,
pink or purple blooms. Prune heavily after frost.
Bulbine frutescens
Stalked Bulbine
Low-spreading clump of succulent, long, narrow
leaves. Attractive year round.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird
of Paradise
Fast growing shrub to ten feet or small tree to twenty
feet. Produces very showy bright orange and yellow
flowers in the spring on floiage that is fern-like.
Loves the heat.
Callistemon citrinus
Lemon Bottle Brush
Attracts hummingbirds. Moderate amounts of water
results in a profusion of red, spring blooms.
Calylophus berlandieri
Sun Drops, Arizona Primrose
Groundcover that grows to four feet in width and
up to a foot tall. From spring to fall it is covered in
bright yellow flowers if in full sun.
Fescue, Bluegrass, Rye
Caring for lawns
Encourage deep rooting
by irrigating deeply and
infrequently.
Using a mulching mower,
maintain a cool season turf
grass blade height of three
inches in warm months to
shade roots.
Lawn problems are best
prevented by choosing a
type that’s well adapted
to the arid climate.
12
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
‘Veitchii’
Boston Ivy
Self-clinging and fast growing. Attractive, lobed
leaves with red fall color. Deciduous.
Pelargonium graveolens
Rose-scented Geranium
Rose-scented fuzzy foliage and pink flowers make
this a garden favorite. Trim back late winter.
Pelargonium sidiodes
South African Geranium
Low growing perennial forms think 12-inch mound
with dark burgundy flowers.
Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon
CA native. Red, tubular flowers attract
hummingbirds. Tolerates heat. Needs good drainage.
What the heck is
evapotranspiration?
DESCRIPTION
Trunk is covered with white bark that peels off in
attractive sheets. Good shade tree for narrow areas.
Zoysia, St. Augustine, Buffalo,
Bermuda
COOL SEASON TURF
PLANT NAME
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Cajeput Tree
WARM SEASON TURF
Typically uses less water
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a
measurement of the amount of
water that’s transpired or used
by irrigated plant materials and
evaporated from the surrounding
soil. ET varies by location, time and
weather conditions. Measurement of
this rate is reported by the California
Department of Water Resources
(DWR) and is used throughout
the state by farmers; golf courses;
cities and counties; home owners'
associations; and other large irrigators
to manage their irrigation systems.
Although the DWR measures ET on a
daily basis so large irrigators like golf
courses can adjust their water usage
daily, simply adjusting your irrigation
schedule seasonally will save water.
Let it rain, let it rain,
let it rain
The average rainfall in western
Riverside County is just 11.5 inches
per year*. Remember to turn off your
automatic sprinklers when it rains.
Install a rain shut-off device. Or better
yet, install a weather-based irrigation
controller.
*
Penstemon heterophyllus x
‘Margarita BOP’
Foothill Penstemon
CA native. Bright blue-purple flowers spikes emerge
in the spring and attract humminbirds.
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian Sage
Light lavender blooms on gray-green foliage. Needs
good drainage.
Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District
5
Know your region,
know your water
Many Riverside County residents
are transplanted from elsewhere.
Therefore, it’s important to know
and understand our region’s water,
soil and climate.
Imported Water. Our local
water sources are not
plentiful enough to meet all of
our needs. Much of our water
is transported hundreds of
miles to our homes.
Soil Conditions. The soil in
this area varies. Select plants
appropriate to your soil type.
Unique Climate. Santa
Ana winds, hot summer
temperatures and sparse
rainfall require that you plan
before you plant.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem Sage
Gray foliage with yellow flowers. Attracts
hummingbirds.
Acacia redolens ‘Prostata’
Prostrate Acacia
Excellent large scale groundcover. Gray leaves
with small fragrant yellow pincushion flowers
in the spring.
Phoenix dactylifera
Date Palm
Long, gray-green leaves. Valued for edible dates.
Attractive trunk texture.
Achillea species
Yarrow
Dense, flat clusters of flowers that attract butterflies.
Fern-like, aromatic, gray or green foliage.
Moonshine variety has yellow flowers.
Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
Many varieties available offering a wide range of
foliage color and size. May rot in poor drainage.
Some varieties need some shade.
Agapanthus species
Lily of the Nile
Large, round clusters of lavender or white flowers
bloom on tall, thick stalks. Dwarf varieties available.
Photinia x fraseri
Red Tip
New growth is deep red and showy. Good screen
or large hedge.
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
Blue Glow Agave
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry Tree
4
DESCRIPTION
Produces edible green fruit. Pink, flower petals are
also edible. Attractive bark texture. Use as a small
specimen tree.
Alyogyne huegelii
Blue Hibiscus
Did you know that there is no “new”
water in the world? The water you
drink today was once consumed
by the dinosaurs! From the ancient
aqueducts of the Roman Empire to
the Inland Empire, the same water
flows. Understanding the water
cycle (above) is the first step toward
realizing how important efficient water
use is to everyone, especially those
of us who inhabit our arid region.
PLANT NAME
Acca sellowiana
Pineapple Guava
Aloe striata
Coral Aloe
The water cycle
DESCRIPTION
Western’s Water-wise 140
Handsome plant that grows two to three feet. Very
drought tolerant.
Phyla nodiflora
Lippia, Kurapia®
Fleshy gray green leaves give rise to tall clusters of
coral-colored flowers in the spring.
This shrub grows to about six feet and has large,
shiny purple flowers that appear throughout the year.
Foliage is not dense.
Strawberry-like fruit attracts birds. Can be used
as a shrub or a slow-growing tree. Blooms in
fall and winter.
Archtostaphylos densiflora
‘Howard McMinn’
Howard McMinn Manzanita
CA native. An excellent manzanita for the
landscape. Can be sheared as a hedge or left natural
to display its beautiful wood.
Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’
Emerald Carpet Manzanita
Moderate moisture in full sun. Needs good drainage.
Slow-growing, tidy groundcover.
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
Wormwood
Good on slopes. Gray foliage makes it a good
contrast plant. Prefers full sun.
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’
Foxtail Fern
In the Inland Empire, it’s best grown in full or partial
shade. Sparse, red berries in the winter.
Baccharis ‘Centennial’
Centennial Desert Broom
Very tough shrub that grows to six feet. Bright green
foliage is tolerant of a lot of conditions.
CA native. Drought tolerant lawn substitute.
Only grows about two inches in height but spreads
more than two feet. Small flower clusters are
attractive to bees but can be mowed if not desired.
Kurapia is sterile variety.
Beneficial insects
protect water!
Decades of pesticide use coupled with
over watering have resulted in
chemical runoff entering
our storm drains, rivers and ocean.
Protecting your garden from bugs
while safeguarding the environment
is a balancing act that’s as fine as the
spray mist from a can of insecticide.
Keep in mind, it isn’t desirable to
eliminate all the bugs in your yard,
but you certainly don’t want your
prized roses covered with aphids.
By introducing environmentallyfriendly insects that eat other pesky
insects, you’ll diminish your use of
pesticides thus preserving the quality
of groundwater.
Ladybird beetles, aka
ladybugs...eat soft-bodied
insects such as aphids.
Praying mantis...devour
soft-bodied insects
like grasshoppers.
Order some beneficial insects
from your local nursery and plan
a “bug release” with your children
— a perfect opportunity for an
environmental lesson that’s fun!
Pinus canariensis
Canary Island Pine
Common pine used in southern California. A tall
and narrow tree that has long needles that provide
a soft texture.
Pistachia chinensis
Chinese Pistache
Nice shade tree. Leaves provide good fall color.
Grows best in loose soils. Tolerant of a variety
of conditions.
Pittosporum tobira
‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’
Dwarf Mock Orange
Compact, lush green shrub. Partial shade is best in
the Inland Empire.
Platanus acerifolia
London Plane
Performs well in heat and smog. Sheds large, brown
leaves in the fall.
Platanus racemosa
California Sycamore
CA native. Picturesque large deciduous tree. Prefers
some summer water.
Pyracantha ‘Santa Cruz’
Firethorn
Cream-colored flowers turn to orange berries in fall.
Dark green foliage and thorns. Subject to fire blight.
Don’t overwater. Prefers loose soil.
Limiting the use of pesticides
and fertilizers.
Quercus agrifolia
Coast Live Oak
CA native. Large evergreen tree. Extensive root
system. Very water-efficient once established.
Don’t overwater.
Making sure you are
watering appropriately and
not over irrigating.
Quercus engelmannii
Mesa Oak
Southern California native. Slow-growing evergreen
shade tree.
You can help protect our
groundwater supplies
Although Western imports much
of its water, groundwater is part of
the water supply equation in the
Inland Empire. Groundwater basins
are natural underground aquifers,
reservoirs of fresh water in sands
and silt flowing tens to hundreds
of feet below the ground’s surface.
Protecting our groundwater supply is
an utmost priority. You can help by...
Avoiding runoff by using mulch.
Picking up pet droppings.
13
Efficient irrigation
systems are key to savings
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
Advance planning of your landscape
and choosing a water-efficient
irrigation system are vital to using
water efficiently. Sprinklers can be
efficient at irrigating large areas of
similar plant materials such as turfgrass or low ground coverings. Drip
irrigation is effective at applying water
at a particular location and at a rate
that closely matches the soil’s ability
to absorb. The best way to determine
which method of irrigation is the most
appropriate for you is to get to know
the absorptive characteristics of
your soil and the needs of the
plant materials desired.
Visit your local irrigation store or
Landscapes Southern California StyleSM
for help.
Common components of
efficient irrigation
Using a Smart Controller
or soil moisture sensors
eliminates landscape
overwatering by providing
plants with precisely the
water they need, when they
need it. Each landscape
zone's irrigation schedule is
adjusted automatically based
on daily weather updates or
soil moisture content.
Quercus lobata
Valley Oak
CA native. Deciduous in the Inland Empire.
Attractive, light green new growth. Large tree.
Needs some summer water.
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
Wonderful, fall color display. Brown leaves
hang on until new spring growth pushes them off.
Fast-growing oak. Tolerates extra water.
Prefers acidic soil. Needs summer water.
Rhamnus californica
Coffeeberry
CA native shrub. Tiny flowers followed by berries
that resemble coffee beans. Excellent informal
hedge plant.
Rhaphiolepis indica
Indian Hawthorn
A very dependable landscape shrub. Many sized
varieties available.
Rhus ovata
Sugar Bush
CA native shrub. Excellent evergreen foundation
plant. Can be loosely hedged and tolerates a range
of conditions. Very drought tolerant.
Ribes viburnifolium
Catalina Perfume, Evergreen
Currant
CA native shrub. Can spread to twelve feet wide.
Fragrant foliage. Needs partial shade but can go
without summer water.
Romneya coulterii
Fried Egg Flower, Matilija
Poppy
CA native perennial shrub. Fast growing stems to
six feet tall terminating in giant white flowers in
May. Invasive. Cut back in late winter.
Rosa ‘Simplicity’
Simplicity Rose
Evergreen shrub rose trademarked by Jackson and
Perkins. Blooms year-round with warmth. Can be
used alone or as a hedge.
Rosa banksiae
Lady Banks’ Rose
Clusters of small roses. Almost thornless canes.
Aphid and disease resistant. White variety is
fragrant. Needs support. Best used on fence or arbor.
Rosa californica
California Wild Rose
CA native shrub. Deciduous shrub to four feet with
showy one to two inch five-petaled pink flowers.
Prefers a little shade.
Rosa x ‘Noatraum’
Flower Carpet® Pink Rose
Flower carpet comes in numerous varieties in a wide
range of colors. Plants grow about one to two feet in
height and spread in width to over four feet.
Adequate filtration
Pressure reducers
Low-volume, pressurecompensating drip emitters
Sprinkler heads with
matched precipitation
rates throughout the
same valve circuit
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DESCRIPTION
Efficient plant
selections
Combat the landscape
challenges of the
Inland Empire
Water-efficient plant materials have
always been within our reach, but until
recently, they haven’t been widely used in
landscaping or readily available at local
nurseries and home improvement centers.
Detailed signage accompanies
With more homeowners and garden
most plants in Western’s garden.
enthusiasts increasing their understanding
of the importance of water efficiency, climate-appropriate plants have
blossomed in popularity and availability.
Southern California, particularly the
Inland Empire, is characterized by hot
temperatures, seasonal winds and
limited rainfall. With many summer
days climbing to 100 degrees and
higher, you need to know what you
can do to fight these challenges and
still be water-efficient. If you wait to
combat these regional challenges
until a sweltering 107-degree July day,
you’ll be out of luck! Here are some
suggestions...
Climate-appropriate plants are well adapted for the climate in which they
will be planted. Properly placed, they can save water, energy, labor, and
ultimately, money. For example, deciduous trees — those that lose their
leaves in winter — placed on the south and west sides of your home, can
provide cooling shade in the hot summer months, thus, reducing the need for
air conditioning. In the winter, when leaves have dropped, sunlight will warm
your home and reduce the need for heating.
Plan your landscape design
to be water efficient.
“Western’s Water-wise 140” on the following pages will help you select
water-efficient plant materials suitable for the Inland Empire’s arid climate,
allowing you to create your own beautiful, climate-appropriate landscape.
The plants listed can be found in Western’s water-efficient education garden,
Landscapes Southern California StyleSM.
Schedule irrigation before
dawn or after dusk, the
cooler and calmer times of
the day.
Make sensible plant
selections.
Plant trees to provide shade,
reduce temperatures and
divert winds.
Read any good leaves lately?
While visiting Landscapes Southern California StyleSM, if you see plants
you particularly like, mark them in this guide and take it with you on your
next visit to the local nursery for easy reference! For additional information
about plant characteristics, such as mature size and flower color, check out
references such as Sunset’s Western Garden Book.
A plant’s leaves often provide clues to
its water needs. By choosing waterefficient plant materials, you can have
an attractive, water-wise landscape
and save money on your water bills
too! As a water-wise sleuth, you’ll
soon detect that low-water-use plants
have leaves that are...
small in size
hairy, fuzzy or waxy
in texture
fleshy
Rosa rugosa
Ramnas Rose
Hardy, fragrant rose with decorative rosehips.
Spreads by underground runners. Stems have
lots of thorns.
It’s never too early to learn about using water efficiently!
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Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
Our Story
Providing water supply, wastewater
disposal and water resource
management to the public in a safe,
reliable, environmentally sensitive
and financially responsible manner
is the mission of Western Municipal
Water District.
The District was formed in 1954
to bring supplemental water from
the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California to a growing
western Riverside County. At that
time, Western’s general service area
had a population of 135,000.
Today, our general service area
encompasses a 527-square mile
area with a population of nearly
1 million water users.
With Riverside County’s population
projected to be 3.6 million by 2035,
it’s no surprise that Western is
committed to encouraging water
use efficiency. Recent studies
estimate that about 60 percent
of the water we use and pay for is
applied to the landscape. By following
the techniques demonstrated in our
water education garden, you can
save from 25 to 40 percent on
landscaping water.
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Meandering paths lead to many water-efficient discoveries within Western’s
water education garden, Landscapes Southern California StyleSM.
Making water work for you
Here in our arid Inland Empire region, landscape water use accounts for about
60 percent of the water we use and pay for in our homes. Recognizing the
importance of water efficiency and resource management, Western created
Landscapes Southern California StyleSM, a one-acre, water-efficient
demonstration garden. The garden encourages public acceptance of,
desire for, and use of, water-efficient landscapes.
Western’s focus centers around efficiency, whether in a home, business,
school or organization. Securing our customers’ water supply is our goal,
and providing water savvy programs is our plan. Check out our programs at
wmwd.com to help maximize your water use.
California’s man-made water system
In a state where 70
percent of the population
lives in the parched
south and 70 percent
of the rain falls
hundreds of miles to the
north, water efficiency
is critical to balancing
the supply and demand for
water. About three-quarters
of Western’s water supply,
which is purchased from the
Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California, comes
through the Sacramento/San Joaquin
Delta via the California Aqueduct.
Approximately one-quarter is from the
Colorado River, with a small portion coming
from the groundwater basins.
Sacramento/
San Joaquin Delta
California Aqueduct
Rosmarinus officinalis
‘Tuscan Blue’
Upright Rosemary
Useful as a screen. Foliage is aromatic. ‘Majorca
Pink’ variety has lavender-pink flowers.
Salvia clevelandii
Cleveland Sage
CA native. Aromatic foliage. Lavender blue blooms.
Spent flower stalks attractive in dried flower
arrangements.
Salvia ‘Dara’s Choice’
Dara’s Choice Sage
CA native perennial. Very tough and drought
tolerant, fragrant foliage to three feet. Blue flowers
are attractive to birds.
Salvia leucantha
Mexican Bush Sage
Purple flower stalks with either white or lavender
flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. Prune to the ground
following winter frosts to control woody growth.
Salvia leucophylla
Purple Sage
CA native. Gray, crinkly leaves. Lavender flowers
and fragrant foliage. Requires very little water.
Salvia microphylla
Little Leaf Sage
Fast growing. Small green leaves. Red flowers
attract hummingbirds.
Salvia ‘Pozo Blue’
Gray Musk Sage
CA native perennial. Very drought tolerant, fragrant
foliage to three feet. Violet flowers are very
attractive to birds and butterflies.
Sedum rubrotinctum
Pork and Beans
Foliage of this succulent turns reddish in sun, stays
green in shade. Modest yellow flowers.
Senecio mandraliscae
Kleinia, Blue Chalk Sticks
An ice plant-like groundcover with 3” to 4” fleshy
pencil-like leaves. The bluish-gray color lends
contrast to the landscape.
Simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba
CA native shrub. Extremely drought tolerant and
tough. Edible fruit. Grows to four feet.
Colorado River
Aqueduct
Installing your landscape successfully
can be achieved by following these steps:
Install sleeves, conduit
and main line piping
Construct hardscape
Prep or amend soil
Install rigid irrigation – PVC
pipe, valves and sprinklers
Connect drip irrigation to
rigid PVC or valves
Place plants together with
like water needs
Apply a 3–5 inch layer of
mulch around plantings
And remember these time-saving tips
during installation...install sleeves
BEFORE building hardscape, making
it easier to run utilities around the yard
later...lay pipes next to each other
NOT on top of each other to prevent
breakage...use flexible swing joints to
connect sprinklers to rigid PVC piping
to minimize damage later.
Maintaining your system
saves water & money
If you already have an efficient
irrigation system, this check list will
come in handy. Every month or so,
check and fix the following...
Crooked or sunken sprinklers
Los Angeles Aqueduct
Western Municipal
Water District Boundaries
DESCRIPTION
Successful landscape
installation step-by-step
Clogged drip emitters,
bubblers, and nozzles
Geysers from broken sprinklers
Sprinklers spraying sidewalks
Leaking valves and pipes
Sisyrinchium bellum
Blue-eyed Grass
CA native perennial. Blue flowers on grass-like
leaves. Suitable for natural, very informal areas.
Goes dormant in summer wihtout water.
Sophora japonica
Japanese Pagoda Tree
Beaded seedpods follow long clusters of flowers.
Good shade tree.
Stachys byzantina
Lamb’s Ears
Valued for its soft, fuzzy gray-green leaves. Fragrant
flowers. Attractive spreading groundcover for small
areas. Plant in light shade.
Mismatched nozzle types
15
Seasonal tips for your
water-wise landscaping
Winter
If rain is scarce, irrigate turf (the plant
that requires the most water) 1 to 2
mornings a week. Check the soil first
and water only when the upper few
inches are dry.
Spring
Water in response to the weather,
not the calendar. If it rains, wait one
week before resuming irrigation.
Once warm days become the norm,
reset your sprinklers to water turf
up to 3 days a week.
Summer
Because less water is lost to
evaporation when the air is cool, it’s
best to water between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Fall
This is the season when most people
overwater. Adjust sprinklers for cooling
weather. However, pay attention to
incoming Santa Ana winds that can
quickly leave plants parched.
Western’s Water-wise 140
PLANT NAME
DESCRIPTION
Water . . .
Tecoma stans
Yellow Bells
Frost sensitive. Plant in a protected area. Lots of
yellow, bell-shaped blooms in warm months.
it fills our basic need, quenching life’s thirst.
Teucrium chamaedrys
Germander
Lavender blooms on dark green foliage. Can be
pruned into a neat, low-growing hedge.
Such a life-sustaining resource must be used wisely.
Teucrium fruticans
Bush Germander
Silvery foliage with light lavender blooms. Thin or
cut back in late winter.
Water is crucial, and using it efficiently is much more than just
a drop in the bucket. This guide is an invaluable resource
Tulbaghia violacea
Society Garlic
Lavender flowers on two foot stems. Foliage smells
of garlic. A variegated silver variety is available.
to help you save water in your landscape where more than half
Verbena rigida
Sandpaper Verbena
Dark or light lavender flowers on rough leaves.
Spreads underground. Invasive in loose soils.
Cut to rejuvenate.
The story of
Landscapes Southern
California StyleSM
Western Municipal Water District
opened the gates to its Landscapes
Southern California StyleSM June 24,
1989. Bringing the garden to bloom
was a combination of support from the
Master Gardeners and the University
of California, Riverside; labor from
the California Department of Forestry;
donations from the landscape industry;
and the leadership and resources of
Western. Many people have walked the
trails, viewed the beauty, gleaned the
water-efficient information and stopped
to smell the flowers in this unique, oneacre, water-efficient education garden.
Free-of-charge to the public
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
of home water is used. Featured within these pages is
Closed holidays
951.571.7100
Vinca minor
Dwarf Periwinkle
Periwinkle blue flowers. Spreads by trailing stems.
Can be invasive.
Vitex agnus-castus
Chaste Tree
Small deciduous tree blooms in the summer with
seven-inch spikes of purple flowers.
Vitis californica ‘Roger’s Red’
Roger’s Red Grape
CA native deciduous vine with tendrils. Turns
striking red color in the fall.
Western’s one-acre, water-efficient demonstration garden,
Landscapes Southern California StyleSM. A map on
How to get to the garden
the back cover provides a bird’s-eye view of the garden.
Inside, the Seven Principles of Water-Efficient Landscaping and
Thank you for being
water efficient!
As Western strives to provide water
consumers with the tools to use water
efficiently, we appreciate your efforts
in protecting your region’s limited
water supply. If we can be of further
assistance, don’t hesitate to contact
us. Good luck in creating your own
water-efficient landscape!
Washingtonia robusta
Mexican Fan Palm
Green, fan-shaped leaves. Grows quickly to great
heights. Reseeds prolifically in moist soils.
Westringia fruticosa
Coast Rosemary
Lavender flowers on gray-green, needle-like foliage.
Good drainage, little moisture required.
need to create your own successful, water-efficient landscape.
Wisteria sinensis
Chinese Wisteria
Fast growing vine with showy clusters of purple
flowers. Attractive branching. Very fragrant.
And, throughout this guide, we’ve planted seeds of information
Xylosma congestum
Shiny Xylosma
Fast growing vine with shiny, lush green leaves.
‘Compacta’ variety only grows to 5 feet tall. Quick
grower in any soil.
Zoysia tenuifolia
Korean Grass
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Use to create an Oriental or grassy meadow effect.
Doesn’t need to be mowed. Slow-growing. Spreads
by runners.
“Western’s Water-wise 140” provide detailed information you’ll
to help you be efficient with water while maintaining
an attractive landscape.
Or take a virtual tour if
you can't visit
Stroll through the garden online at
www.wmwd.com
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