A remarkable variety of agaves, cacti and succulents are grown in Inland Empire gardens and landscapes where they are valued in many roles. These are often special interest plants that mature into stately specimens with striking character. They can also be effectively displayed in pots and raised planters where they add sculptural and artistic interest in courtyards and specialty plantings. Some 50 plants are included in this list that are popular garden choices.
Many of these plants are well adapted to heat, aridity and summer drought. They do best in loose, fast draining soils. Many are among the best choices for use in containers and for low maintenance plantings. All are easily suited to Mediterranean and southwestern style gardens where the can be sustained with low to very low amounts of supplemental water throughout the summer. They are often placed on banks and mounds in combination with boulders and stone. Decomposed granite and pea gravel is often used to cover the soil and to complement the character of these plants.
An online resource for you to learn about and choose the best plants for your inland Southern California landscape.
We provide programs, services, and resources to serve audiences of all ages to cultivate a community-wide conservation ethic and build regional capacity for water resilience.
© Chino Basin Water Conservation District 2021
