Don’t let the August heat stop you from planting! If you’re in Zone 10b, this is actually a great time to start establishing drought-tolerant California native plants—especially those available in containers at local garden centers. These natives are tough, beautiful, and made for our climate.

Here are 5 easy-to-find California natives you can confidently plant now:

1. Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)

One of the most beloved native sages, Cleveland Sage is prized for its fragrant gray-green leaves and stunning purple blooms. It thrives in full sun, requires minimal water once established, and adds a fragrant, pollinator-friendly presence to any garden.

2. Black Sage (Salvia mellifera)

A rugged evergreen shrub with aromatic foliage and pale blue flower clusters in spring, Black Sage is perfect for hot, dry slopes. It’s a magnet for bees and butterflies, and once established, needs little to no summer water.

3. California Narrow Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Support monarch butterflies and other pollinators with this essential native! This hardy perennial blooms with pale pink flowers and naturally dies back in winter—making it an easy-care addition to habitat gardens.

4. Giant Wild Rye (Leymus condensatus)

Add bold texture with this upright, bluish-green native grass. Its tall, arching flower stalks provide dramatic structure, while its deep roots make it great for erosion control on sunny slopes.

5. Superstition Mallow (Abutilon palmeri)

Soft, velvety foliage and bright orange-yellow flowers give this desert native year-round appeal. It blooms in warm weather, requires very little water, and brings a pop of color to low-water beds and borders.

🌞 Planting Tips for August in Zone 10b:

• Buy container-grown natives. August is too hot for bare root, but potted plants can get established with care.

• Water deeply and regularly for the first few weeks, then reduce as plants settle in.

• Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect soil from intense heat.

• Plant early in the morning or late in the day to avoid stress from midday sun.

You don’t have to wait for fall to start planting smart. With these resilient and beautiful California natives, your garden can thrive even in peak summer—supporting local wildlife and conserving water while looking gorgeous all year.