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How to Choose the Right Landscaping Plants in Folsom, CA
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Plants in Folsom CA

How to Choose the Right Landscaping Plants in Folsom, CA

Picking the right landscaping plants is important to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space in Folsom, CA. It can be challenging to maintain plants with Folsom’s hot summers and occasional drought conditions so it’s smart to prioritize native and drought-tolerant plants. Anyone, yes, even you, can be good at keeping plants healthy, so long as they have the right resources. We compiled the top tips and best landscaping plants specific to the climate. Whether for your backyard or commercial property, selecting the right mix of plants ensures a healthy, low-maintenance landscape.

What to Consider Before Choosing Plants

The right plants don’t just look good, they fit the space, climate, and maintenance needs of the local area. Factors to consider include:

Planting perennials
  • Local Climate: Plants should handle Folsom’s hot, dry weather and cooler, wet winters.
  • Soil Type: Knowing your soil type helps plants grow well and stay healthy. Most native plants in California prefer well-draining soil. It’s best to mix heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage for species like California lilac and yarrow.
  • Watering Needs: Look for drought-tolerant options that can withstand the summer heat.
  • Style and Purpose: Plants should match the overall look of your landscape. If you don’t have a landscape yet and want to start, McGuire Earthworks offers landscape construction that is built to last and match your style preferences.

Adding California Native Flowers to Your Landscape

Native flowers brighten up any landscape area. Additionally, they will survive the local California climate and help save water! Talk about efficiency and aesthetics. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Sticky Monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus): Said to resemble a laughing monkey’s face, this plant has bold orange blooms that last all summer and attract hummingbirds and bees. It can survive with low water and can tolerate mostly any soil, so long as they’re well-draining. Maintaining this flower is quite easy, you just need to remove dead flowers occasionally. 
  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): This is a durable plant with fragrant clusters of yellow or white flowers that only need a little water. Just make sure to plant them in loamy soil or clay soil. They bloom best during the spring and summertime. 
  • California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum): This plant has striking red flowers that best grow during the late summer to fall, attracting hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun in well-drained soils like chalk, loam, or sand and can grow up to two feet.
  • California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Known as California’s state flower, this is a bright yellow to orange flower that’s tough enough to thrive in tough soil and dry conditions. Plant the seeds in sandy, well-drained soil and make sure to cut them back as needed since they spread easily.
  • Creeping Sage (Salvia sonomensis): The creeping sage is an aromatic ground cover with white to blue or purple flowers that thrive in rocky or sandy soils.

Drought-Tolerant Plants for Folsom Landscapes

Water conservation is a top priority in California, so drought-tolerant plants are a practical and attractive option. Many native California plants can thrive with minimal watering.

  • Manzanita (Arctostaphylos): Known for its red bark and small, delicate lantern-shaped flowers, it’s both unique and low-maintenance as you only need to prune it during dry summer months. This plant usually blooms during spring or winter and its branches are perfect for a sculptural effect in your Folsom landscapes .
  • Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens): A soft, flowing grass that works well in modern designs. This is one of the easiest drought-tolerant plants to grow in California and is a popular choice for ground cover. Remember to trim and cut this back during the fall.
  • Toyon (Heteromeles Arbutifolia): This plant is also called “California holly,” with red berries in the winter that attract birds and white flowers during the hot summer months. It is great for hedges or privacy screens.
  • California Lilac (Ceanothus): This beautiful plant offers rich blue flowers and glossy green foliage. It is also relatively low-maintenance and excellent for erosion control.

Landscaping Tips for Folsom Locals

  • Start with the Right Soil: Native California plants thrive in well-draining soil. If your yard has heavy clay, mixing in organic matter like compost can make a big difference, improving drainage and creating a better environment for plants such as California lilac and yarrow.
  • Use Microclimates to Your Advantage: Different parts of your yard might get more sun, wind, or shade than others. Taller plants like redbuds or manzanitas are perfect for creating shaded areas, which can help protect more delicate plants. Try grouping plants with similar water and sunlight needs in the same spots to make care easier.
  • Add Hardscapes for Function and Style: Incorporating features like stone walkways , gravel paths, or even dry creek beds makes your yard look more polished and it also reduces maintenance.
  • Keep Up with Seasonal Maintenance: Prune shrubs like Toyon and Manzanita to keep them looking tidy and healthy. Removing weeds is crucial to ensure your plants aren’t competing for water or nutrients. Seasonal checks with landscaping experts can help your landscape stay vibrant year-round.

Create the Perfect Landscape with McGuire Earthworks

Whether for your home garden or a commercial property, creating a landscape with the right plants makes all the difference. By using native California plants and drought-tolerant choices that we listed in this blog post, it’s possible to create a stunning outdoor space that lasts and is easy to maintain! McGuire Earthworks is the go-to landscaping service in Folsom, CA. Our 40+ years of experience with California landscapes ensure your project will look great and fit perfectly with the local environment. 

Call (916) 989-9713 or Contact us, today for your free quote with one of our friendly landscapers!

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