Category: California Bumblebees
-
Discover Catalina Silverlace: The Rare Constancea Plant
Constancea nevinii, or Catalina Silverlace, is a rare, endangered shrub found on Channel Islands. It thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Known for its striking silvery foliage and yellow flowers, it’s a valuable addition to coastal gardens and attracts pollinators. Prune regularly to maintain shape and health.
-
Gardening Resolutions for a Thriving Native Landscape in 2026
The January/February 2026 edition of the Native Gardener’s Corner features insights and challenges faced by members regarding their native gardens. Contributors discuss optimism, sourcing plants, managing weeds, and personal resolutions for braver gardening practices. The newsletter highlights aspirations to balance biodiversity with neighborhood acceptance while adapting to changes in gardening resources and personal capabilities.
-
December Plant Spotlight: John Dourley Manzanita
The December Plant of the Month for the OCCNPS is ‘John Dourley’ Manzanita, a low-growing shrub ideal for various garden settings. Known for its attractive orange-red new growth, pink flowers, and adaptability, it provides nectar and berries for wildlife. It requires careful watering and occasional pruning for optimal growth.
-
Planting Elegant Clarkia Seeds for a Vibrant Garden
Elegant Clarkia, or Clarkia unguiculata, is a vibrant annual wildflower ideal for California gardens. With colorful blooms from April to June, it’s adaptable to various soil types and light conditions. Seeds are best sown in late fall for naturalization. This hardy plant attracts pollinators and serves as a beautiful cut flower.
-
Celebrate Tree of Life Nursery’s Legacy with OCCNPS
Tree of Life Nursery will close in December, prompting the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society to hold a Members Celebration Day on October 18. The event includes special rare plant sales, free box lunches for members, expert presentations, and an art activity. Non-members can register for membership on-site.
-
Honoring Tree of Life Nursery’s Impact on California Ecology
Tree of Life Nursery, closing this December after 45 years, has profoundly influenced California’s native plant community. Members of OCCNPS express gratitude for its role in fostering connections between people and ecology. The nursery served as both a retail space and a space for education, enriching the lives of many through native gardening.
-
California Fuchsia ‘Catalina’: The Ultimate Hummingbird Attractor
The California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter highlights California Fuchsia ‘Catalina’ as September 2025’s Plant of the Month. This perennial is drought-tolerant, attracts hummingbirds, and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Notably taller than similar species, ‘Catalina’ features vibrant red flowers and enhances garden aesthetics when planted alongside other native varieties.
-
Lemonade Berry: The Resilient Native Shrub for Southern California
The Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society highlights the Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) as the August Plant of the Month. This adaptable evergreen shrub thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and grows 6-10 feet tall. Known for its unique bitter lemon-flavored berries, it offers various landscaping benefits, such as acting as a…
-
Top Native Plants for Summer Drought
In this column, expert gardeners share their favorite native plants that thrive in summer with minimal watering. Key recommendations include Hooker’s Evening Primrose, Lemonadeberry, various Buckwheats, and small trees like Scrub Oaks and California Bay Laurel. Responses emphasize low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants to support local ecosystems and attract pollinators.
-
Desert Willow: A Versatile Garden Gem
Dan Songster highlights the Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) as July’s Plant of the Month. This fast-growing, deciduous shrub thrives in full sun and various soils, featuring showy, fragrant blooms from pink to lavender. Ideal for gardens, it attracts wildlife and requires minimal care, making it a versatile landscape choice.
-
Matilija Poppy: California’s Iconic Flower
The Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) is a striking California native perennial known for its large white flowers and golden stamens, blooming in late spring. It thrives in well-drained soil and can become aggressive in gardens, spreading through rhizomes. Best planted away from smaller plants, it stabilizes soil and is challenging to propagate due to delicate…
-
Pamela Heiss: Championing Native Plants in Orange County
Pamela Heiss, a member of the OCCNPS board, actively promotes native plants within the Orange County community through her work with the Garden Tour and Outreach teams. Since joining CNPS in 2018, she emphasizes the importance of conservation and community education. Pamela aims to inspire awareness of native plants’ benefits for local ecosystems and biodiversity.