Top 9 Drought Tolerant and Pollinator Friendly Landscaping Plants for Redding and Shasta County

Creating an inviting landscape in Redding and the surrounding areas of Shasta County doesn’t have to lead to high water bills or excessive upkeep. With the right selection of plants, you can cultivate a vibrant garden that thrives on minimal water and is friendly to local pollinators. This guide will explore nine durable and visually appealing plants that can enhance your property’s curb appeal while also supporting our precious ecosystem.

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a tough perennial that shines in various soil types and conditions. With its feathery leaves and clusters of colorful blooms in yellow, white, and pink, it brings life to any garden. This plant stands out for its ability to withstand drought and requires little maintenance, making it perfect for Redding gardens.

Yarrow is not just resilient; it also attracts essential pollinators like butterflies and bees. In a single summer, a well-established yarrow plant can produce hundreds of flowers, significantly boosting the local bee population. Available in a stunning variety of colors, yarrow is sure to add the perfect element to your yard.

Yarrow flowers in full bloom

2. Muhlenbergia Dubia (Deer Grass)

Commonly known as Deer Grass, Muhlenbergia dubia is a stunning grass that enhances landscape design with its unique texture and movement. This grass shoots up beautiful golden spires and uniform dusty green foliage, ensuring year-round visual interest.

Muhlenbergia dubia is very drought-tolerant and provides shelter and food for local birds and pollinators. A single clump can grow to a height of 2-3 feet, effectively softening hardscapes and requiring minimal upkeep from homeowners.

Deer grass swaying gently

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a rich genus with numerous species and cultivars, known for their aromatic leaves and showy spikes of tubular flowers. These plants bloom in various colors, including blue, purple, and vibrant red.

Recognized for their drought tolerance and ease of care, salvias can survive on as little as an inch of water each month during peak summer. They are a favorite of many pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees. Placing just five salvia plants can attract dozens of pollinators, significantly contributing to local wildlife health.

Vibrant flowers of salvia in bloom

4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is beloved for its lovely purple blossoms and calming scent. Well-suited for low-water gardening, it thrives in the hot summers typical of Redding.

Beyond its pleasant aroma, lavender’s nectar-rich flowers can attract pollinators. In a single growing season, one lavender plant can yield hundreds of blooms, contributing to the local ecosystem. Placing lavender in sunny spots can ensure its bounty and versatility in cooking or aromatherapy.

Lavender in Bloom

5. Santa Barbara Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus)

The Santa Barbara Daisy is a charming perennial known for its delicate white petals that transition to pink as they mature, all surrounding a bright yellow center. This adaptable flower not only adds beauty to gardens but is also highly resilient, thriving in various soil types and conditions.

Santa Barbara Daisies bloom from spring through fall, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Their extended flowering season ensures continuous color in your garden, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in Redding looking to enhance their landscape while supporting local wildlife.

Santa Barbara Daisy grows with ease.

6. Rock Rose (Cistus spp.)

Rock rose is a low-growing perennial that produces charming, papery flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple during the warmer months. This resilient plant thrives in poor, dry soils and is well-suited for drought conditions.

Not only is rock rose drought-tolerant, but it also attracts a variety of beneficial pollinators. A few rock rose plants can create a beautiful ground cover that enhances your landscape's visual appeal and interest.

7. Dwarf Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Dwarf blue fescue is a versatile ornamental grass that thrives in various landscaping applications, adding a unique texture and color to gardens. Its fine, blue-green foliage creates a soft, lush appearance and is highly drought-resistant.

This grass is easy to care for and provides essential habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial wildlife. Planting two or three dwarf blue fescue variants can create a diverse area within your landscaping that supports multiple species.

Dwarf blue fescue at one of our projects in Palo Cedro.

8. Hesperaloe parviflora

Commonly referred to as red yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora features tall flower spikes adorned with tubular, coral-red blooms that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. This plant thrives in well-drained, dry soils and is known for its drought resistance.

As an excellent choice for Shasta County, Hesperaloe parviflora can significantly enhance your garden’s visual appeal while supporting local wildlife. Each flower spike can attract multiple pollinators at once, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere in your garden.

Young red yucca sending up a bloom at our Palo Cedro project.

9. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Last but certainly not least, Echinacea, or coneflower, offers beautiful, daisy-like blooms. It withstands dry conditions well and provides color from summer through fall, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

Echinacea flowers are among the top favorites of pollinators, ensuring your garden not only looks good but also supports the ecosystem. A few plants can produce hundreds of blooms, making them a smart investment for both beauty and ecological health.

The robust blooms of a Echinacea

Update Your Garden with Drought-Tolerant Elegance

Enhancing your Redding or Shasta County landscape with drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants is an environmentally friendly choice that looks great too. The plants discussed above provide beauty while promoting local biodiversity.

By adding the likes of yarrow, Muhlenbergia dubia, Salvia, and lavender to your garden, you can create a vibrant, eco-conscious space that thrives in this unique climate. Whether you’re starting a new garden or refreshing an existing space, these nine plants are commendable choices for your next project.

Freestyle Landscaping can help you select, source, plant and properly irrigate the perfect plants for your Shasta County Home. Call for a free estimate today!

Happy planting!