Top Plants for Sonoma County

Top Plants for Sonoma County is a compendium of species that can survive our wet winters and dry summers with minimal care. Some are California natives while others are native to other Mediterranean climates. All require little supplemental irrigation, attract few insect and disease problems, and flourish here in Sonoma County.

A few words explaining terminology: exposure to light is indicated as sun, sun/part shade, or part shade. Generally, plants in coastal microclimates can withstand more sun than those in hot, inland areas. Water designations are drought-tolerant—little to no water once established; occasional—the plant doesn’t require regular water but benefits from a soaking once a month or so; low--watering once a week on average; and moderate— overhead watering a couple of times a week or every other day or so on drip. Your own microclimate and precise planting location will affect the way your plants grow.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive. There are many more plants that can be—and are—grown successfully in Sonoma County. The list represents the ones with which most gardeners are likely to enjoy the most success.

Top Plants For Sonoma County - listing

Sonoma Superstars--30 of our very favorites.

Printable Version: Sonoma Superstars Brochure (pdf)

Top Succulents for Sonoma

Find Plants by Characteristics

The following are several reports that allow you to find plants by specific characteristics, such as deer resistant, native plants, and plants by combinations of exposure and water requirements.
All plants grouped by exposure requirements.

All Plants grouped by water requirements

Plants grouped by first by exposure requirements (sun) and further by water requirements.

Plants grouped first by water requirements and further by exposure requirements

Native Plants

Deer-resistant Plants

Plant Tables

Click the category links below to view tables of the plants in each category.

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

Grasses

Vines