Drought tolerant Plants
Bay Friendly Blog Sustainable Landscaping Water Conservation Water Management - 3 min read

Waterwise Plants that Grow Well in Santa Clara County

Ongoing droughts have many businesses in the Santa Clara area looking to convert their high water use landscapes into more water-efficient, sustainable designs. Fortunately, many beautiful plants and trees thrive in low water conditions. Our commercial landscape contractors can help you reduce maintenance and irrigation needs with these waterwise plants that grow great in Santa Clara County.

How to Incorporate Waterwise Plants in Santa Clara

Choosing plants with low or very low water requirements and grouping greenery based on irrigation needs ensures efficient water use. Our commercial landscaping experts know how to find the ideal drought-resistant plants to suit your design needs and your Santa Clara County property’s unique microclimate.

Maximize Your Investment with Waterwise Landscaping Rebates

Take advantage of commercial water rebates from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, incorporating plants from the landscape rebate program. Our skilled landscape design team can assist you with meeting the 50% plant coverage requirement, choosing from a variety of beautiful native and non-native planting options.     

Waterwise Plant List for Santa Clara County

These plant species are well-suited to the Santa Clara County climate, requiring less water and landscape maintenance.

  • Waterwise trees
    • California buckeye
    • California oak
    • Western redbud
    • Bottlebrush
    • Striped tiger fig
    • Black Mission fig
    • Persimmon
    • Olive, Russian olive
    • Crape myrtle
    • Sweet bay
    • Tea tree
    • Guadalupe palm
    • California fan palm
  • Waterwise shrubs
    • Manzanita
    • Japanese barberry
    • Bush anemone
    • Wild lilac
    • Western redbud
    • Mountain mahogany
    • California fuchsia
    • Rosy buckwheat
    • Grevillea
    • Toyon
    • Spanish lavender
    • Pitcher sage
    • Pomegranate
    • Coffeeberry
    • Sugarbush
    • Pink flowering currant
    • Tuscan blue rosemary
    • Cleveland sage
    • Snowberry
  • Waterwise groundcover
    • Ground morning glory
    • Emerald carpet manzanita
    • Artemisia ‘Seafoam’
    • Wild ginger
    • Creeping spurge
    • Gazania
    • Sunrose
    • California dune aster
    • Seaside daisy
    • Moroccan daisy
    • Lamb’s ears
    • Creeping raspberry
    • St. John’s wort
    • Thyme
    • Catmint
    • Sage ‘Bee’s Bliss’
    • Wild strawberry
  • Waterwise grasses
    • Foerster’s reed grass
    • Oriental fountain grass
    • Mendocino reed grass
    • Feather reed grass
    • Blue grama grass
    • Alkali sacaton
    • Purple three-awn
    • Foothill sedge
    • Cape rush
    • California fescue
    • Silver grass ‘Yaku Jima’
    • Pink muhly
    • White awn muhly
    • Lindheimer’s muhly
    • Giant sacaton grass
    • Bull grass
    • Deer grass
  • Waterwise perennials
    • Yarrow ‘Moonshine’
    • Yarrow ‘Taygetea’
    • Agastache
    • Serpentine columbine
    • African daisy
    • California aster
    • Sundrop
    • Globe thistle
    • California poppy
    • Euphorbia
    • Coral bells
    • Island alumroot
    • Red hot poker
    • Purple toadflax
    • Monkeyflower
    • Oregano
    • African geranium
    • Foothill penstemon
    • Western sword fern
    • Rose ‘Happenstance’
    • Germander sage
    • Hummingbird sage
    • Blue-eyed grass
    • Mexican bush marigold
    • Verbena
  • Waterwise bulbs
    • Fairy wand
    • Pacific coast iris ‘Canyon Snow’
    • African corn lily
    • Giant scilla
    • Triteleia ‘Queen Fabiola’
  • Waterwise succulents
    • Century plant
    • Coral aloe
    • Spider aloe
    • Bulbine frutescens
    • Pig’s ear
    • Hens and chicks
    • Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
    • Blue chalk sticks

NOTE: Plants may be invasive in some Santa Clara County areas but not others. Ensure the selection of noninvasive landscaping options, safeguarding nearby wild areas with help from our knowledgeable team.

Make the Most of Every Drop with a Commercial Irrigation System Upgrade

No waterwise landscape upgrade is complete without efficient irrigation management. Reduce water use and waste with:

  • In-line drip irrigation
  • High efficiency, pressure regulating nozzles
  • Rain sensors
  • Hydrometers
  • Weather-based irrigation controllers
  • Rainwater recapture
  • Greywater use

Watering once every three weeks in late spring, summer, and early fall using these methods ensures optimal plant health while reducing water consumption.

Are you interested in upgrading to a waterwise landscape but not sure where to start? Contact Gachina Landscape Management at 650-853-0400 for help selecting waterwise plants that grow well in Santa Clara County, includingSan Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, Campbell, and Mountain View. Start on the path to a more water-efficient, sustainable commercial landscape design today.