Watering native plants

The vast majority of California's native plants require a different approach to irrigation than most non-native plants. Our low-water and drought-adapted native plants need little supplemental water once they are well established. They are well adapted to California’s winter-wet, summer-dry weather patterns if grown where they are locally native.

Even these low-water natives need supplemental irrigation until they are established. This usually means the first one to three years, or until they have doubled in size.  Once such native plants are established, they may still need an occasional deep water during hot, dry periods,, depending on your location, the plant, and its exposure.

Keep in mind that riparian native plants (plants that naturally grow near water) will continue to need regular water even when mature.

Some native plants will suffer if you water them in the summer. For instance, many oak species must have summer-dry to avoid a deadly root fungus that thrives in hot, wet conditions. Most bulbs and other geophytes (corms, tubers, and rhizomatic plants) will rot if they receive summer water. Native grasses often need a dry rest period in mid- to late summer. Look up specific species on Calscape to understand their watering needs throughout the year. 

Though some native plants are "summer dry", many other drought-adapted and low-water natives respond very well to a little extra water. In summer, just watering them once a month can provide your garden a lush, thriving, and healthy appearance.