🎯 Quick Answer
The best drought-tolerant plants for San Francisco are:
- California Lilac (Ceanothus) - Blue flowers, extremely drought-tolerant
- Lavender - Fragrant, purple blooms, very low water
- California Poppy - State flower, reseeds annually
- Rosemary - Edible, evergreen, minimal water
- Manzanita - Stunning red bark, architectural form
Water savings: These plants use 80% less water than traditional lawns once established.
Top 15 Drought-Tolerant Plants for San Francisco
✅ All plants listed are tested and proven successful in San Francisco's Mediterranean climate across all microclimates (Richmond, Sunset, Mission, etc.)
1. California Lilac (Ceanothus) ⭐ Best Overall
California Lilac produces spectacular clusters of blue, purple, or white flowers in spring. Native to California, it's perfectly adapted to SF's dry summers.
- 💧 Water: Very low (once established)
- 📏 Height: 3-15 ft (varieties available)
- ☀️ Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- 🌸 Bloom: March-May
- 💰 Cost: $15-40 per plant
Best for:
- ✓ Slopes and hillsides
- ✓ Privacy hedges
- ✓ Attracting butterflies & hummingbirds
- ✓ Low-maintenance landscaping
SF Microclimates: Thrives in all SF areas. 'Ray Hartman' best for foggy Sunset/Richmond.
2. Lavender (Lavandula) 🌸 Most Fragrant
Fragrant purple flowers and silvery foliage make lavender a SF garden staple. Extremely drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
- 💧 Water: Very low
- 📏 Height: 1-3 ft
- ☀️ Sun: Full sun
- 🌸 Bloom: May-September
- 💰 Cost: $8-20 per plant
Best for:
- ✓ Borders and edging
- ✓ Cutting gardens
- ✓ Pollinator gardens
- ✓ Aromatic landscapes
Varieties: 'Grosso' (most drought-tolerant), 'Hidcote' (compact), 'Provence' (fragrant)
3. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) 🧡 State Flower
Our state flower! Cheerful orange (also yellow, white, red) poppies self-seed and create stunning spring displays.
- 💧 Water: Extremely low
- 📏 Height: 12-18 inches
- ☀️ Sun: Full sun
- 🌸 Bloom: March-September
- 💰 Cost: $3-8 per pack of seeds
Best for:
- ✓ Wildflower meadows
- ✓ Mass plantings
- ✓ Low-water borders
- ✓ Pollinator attractant
Pro Tip: Plant seeds in fall for spring blooms. Reseeds annually for free flowers!
Complete Comparison Table
| Plant Name | Water Needs | Height | Sun | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Lilac | Very Low | 3-15 ft | Full/Partial | $15-40 |
| Lavender | Very Low | 1-3 ft | Full Sun | $8-20 |
| California Poppy | Extremely Low | 12-18 in | Full Sun | $3-8 |
| Rosemary | Very Low | 2-6 ft | Full Sun | $10-25 |
| Manzanita | Extremely Low | 1-20 ft | Full/Light | $20-60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water do drought-tolerant plants need?
Quick Answer: Once established (1-2 years), drought-tolerant plants need 80% less water than lawns. In SF, most need no supplemental water after establishment, relying only on natural rainfall.
During establishment, water 2-3 times per week. After year 1, reduce to once every 1-2 weeks. After year 2, most need zero supplemental water in SF's climate.
What's the best drought-tolerant plant for foggy areas?
Quick Answer: California Fuchsia, Pacific Coast Iris, and Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' excel in foggy SF neighborhoods like Richmond, Sunset, and Outer Parkside.
Where can I buy these plants in San Francisco?
Quick Answer: Flora Grubb Gardens (Bayview), Sloat Garden Center (multiple locations), and Bay Natives (East Bay) carry excellent selections of drought-tolerant and California native plants.
Professional Drought-Tolerant Landscape Design
Want expert help selecting and installing the perfect drought-tolerant plants for your specific San Francisco location? Our licensed landscape contractors specialize in water-wise gardens tailored to SF's unique microclimates.