What types of flowers grow really well here in Los Angeles? (San Marcos: maintenance, garden)

[Luckykip77]

I just moved here to Los Angeles from Tennessee, where I had a large garden in my backyard. Gardening is a hobby of my wife and I. We want to plant our own garden here, but we would like to know what kind of flowers grow well in this climate? Is there a website or something with a map of the world and what flowers grow where or something?

[smokingGun]

my mom & grandma used to be bigtime gardeners and have spent hundreds at specialty nurseries & garden shows (like the Huntington & Descanso sales). Pick up a copy of Sunset's Western Garden book, it's like the bible for SoCal landscapers.

And because native/Mediterranean plants are all the rage right now, check out the websites for San Marcos Growers & Native Sons Nursery. Both are major growers that sell plants to retailers like Armstrong's. In fact you can basically special order any plant from them through Armstrong's (as long as it's in season).

[Luckykip77]

Originally Posted by smokingGun

my mom & grandma used to be bigtime gardeners and have spent hundreds at specialty nurseries & garden shows (like the Huntington & Descanso sales). Pick up a copy of Sunset's Western Garden book, it's like the bible for SoCal landscapers.

And because native/Mediterranean plants are all the rage right now, check out the websites for San Marcos Growers & Native Sons Nursery. Both are major growers that sell plants to retailers like Armstrong's. In fact you can basically special order any plant from them through Armstrong's (as long as it's in season).

Cool, thanks SmokinGun I'll go try to find that book, and I think I know where Armstrong's is, so ill go there too. I also found this site with a bunch of types of flowers that has some information on when and where to plant.

[Caladium]

You'll really feel like a Californian if you plant a Bird of Paradise. Also, bouganvillea in a space for a large plant, and clivia in a shady spot.

Most plants do well in LA, especially if you're close to the beach. Bulb plants that require a winter chill (tulips, daffodils for example) are about the only thing that won't do well. I'd also avoid plants that need lots of water since LA goes through periods of drought from time to time.

[Thelaridarsarm]

Originally Posted by Caladium

You'll really feel like a Californian if you plant a Bird of Paradise. Also, bouganvillea in a space for a large plant, and clivia in a shady spot.

Most plants do well in LA, especially if you're close to the beach. Bulb plants that require a winter chill (tulips, daffodils for example) are about the only thing that won't do well. I'd also avoid plants that need lots of water since LA goes through periods of drought from time to time.

Bird of paradise? That's like the same as the Heliconia isn't it? http://www.flower-dictionary.com/ima...flowers/96.jpg ?

[Fontucky]

Bougainvillea = messy.

Go for at least one hibiscus in addition to B of P for that So Cal look. Azaleas do well here.

[meowkellycat]

I love the way Agapanthus look, like a bunch of purple fireworks on long stems, and they do well in this area. Star Jasmine smells amazing and grows well here too.

[jorge112597]

plant some palm trees in addition to flowers

[pacific2]

You can’t lose with bird of paradise, bougainvillea, agapanthus and ornamental grasses, because they're drought tolerant and require very little care. Add a few of your own favorites, and maybe rocks and a flowering cactus.

Agapanthus



Don’t forget palm trees and perhaps a fruit tree. The only downside to palm trees is the maintenance. I always have to hire someone to trim the two that I have in my backyard.

[Fontucky]

Night-blooming jasmine as well. Very fragrant. Just keep it in the lower elevations as they don't tolerate the cold of the mts and HD.