Colorful and easy-to-grow plants

Three beautiful flowering natives that can thrive in Bay Area gardens: wild lilacs, (Ceanothus), California Native sages (Salvias), and Douglas iris (iris douglasiana).

A. Wild lilac (Ceanothus)

• Drought Tolerant, full sun, those with the smaller, tougher leaves like Ceanothus 'Dark Star' tend to be more deer resistant.
  
  
• Our wild lilac loves full sun and prefers well-draining soil. It does not like to sit around with its roots wet. Heavy clay soils that hold water will lead to root rot. If you've got heavy clay soil, you'll need to amend it with compost before planting. The varieties 'Frosty Blue,' 'Blue Jeans,' 'Concha,' and 'Joyce Coulter' can tolerate heavier soils.
  
  
• Ceanothus should be watered through its first summer only. Once it's established, it needs no additional water. In fact, watering in summer can lead to a premature death from root rot. They don't like to be fertilized either.

• California is home to 19 different sage species. Most are easy to grow, require full sun, good drainage, are drought tolerant and deer resistant. They're great for pollinators and are magnets for hummingbirds. The leaves often boast a sweet smell with a definite kick to it.
  
  
• They can be used in teas, baths and bouquets, too, and produce great flowers in pinks, purples and a wide spectrum of blues.
  
  
• They're a great addition to the vegetable garden, attracting beneficial insects and luring in needed pollinators.

• Full sun/light shade, drought tolerant, deer resistant.
  
  
• The native coast iris is a beauty. Blooming in spring, flower colors range from deep purples to white to yellow. It's a hardy plant that will fill out nicely. It also does well in pots.