Collection: Annie's Annuals - California Natives

They are plants that grew within California before European settlement. This includes wild species, naturally occurring hybrids, and cultivated selections with California native parentage. With over 6,000 types, California natives form one of the richest plant lineups in the world. Annie’s offers a broad selection of garden-ready favorites year-round.

• They’re adapted to California’s soils and climates, making them water-wise and low-maintenance.
  
• They support biodiversity, providing food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
  
• Many can also be grown outside California—check your USDA Growing Zone for compatibility. In colder zones, perennials may act as annuals.

Consider your garden conditions first:

• Sun vs. shade exposure
  
• Temperature extremes and seasonal climate
  
• Soil type (clay, sandy, loam)
  
• Water availability and desired maintenance level
  

Then, choose plants that match both your environment and your garden style. Our plant listings include growing guidelines to make selection easy.  Check your USDA Growing Zone for compatibility.

Establishment phase (1–2 years): Deep, regular watering is essential. Frequency depends on soil type and weather.

Once established: Most natives need only deep, infrequent watering. Some thrive on little to no summer irrigation, though many will perform better with an occasional soak.

Generally, no. Most are adapted to local soils and don’t need extra nutrients. Fertilizing can even shorten lifespans (e.g., Ceanothus).

A diverse native garden supports natural pest control by attracting beneficial insects, birds, and amphibians. Monitor plants for issues, and if necessary, use organic controls sparingly and as directed.

Some of our most cherished California native plants are easy to grow, support diverse wildlife, deliver spectacular flower displays year after year, and are perfectly adapted to thrive in California gardens. Below you’ll find a list of our most popular natives. Annie’s is the go-to source not only for these customer favorites, but also for rare and unusual California garden treasures. Whether you’re new to gardening with natives or a seasoned pro, you’ll find inspiring choices in Annie’s Annuals & Perennials California Natives Collection.

Monkeyflower (Mimulus) – bright, flirty blooms spring through fall.

Buckwheat (Eriogonum) – unmatched pollinator powerhouse; pink (E. grande var. rubescens), yellow (E. nudum ‘Ella Nelson’s Yellow’).

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) – iconic blue spring wildflower, beloved at Annie’s.

Bird’s Eye Gilia (Gilia tricolor) – delicate purple blooms with turquoise pollen.

Ceanothus (Ceanothus) – versatile evergreen shrubs with spectacular blue flowers.

Sages (Salvia) – heat- and drought-tolerant, with pollinator-friendly blooms and fragrances.

California Fuchsia (Epilobium/Zauschneria) – hummingbird magnets with fiery red flowers.

Yes, natives are the best way to attract and support local pollinators since they have co-evolved with local birds, insects, and wildlife over thousands of years. Many species depend on specific plants for survival—for example:

• Milkweed (Asclepias) is essential for monarch butterflies as it is the preferred host plant for monarch caterpillars.
  
• Buckwheat (Eriogonum) feeds bees, moths, and birds.
  
• Ceanothus (Ceanothus) supports pollinators and butterfly larvae.
  
• Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) provides nectar in late winter/early spring when little else is blooming.
  
• California Fuchsia (Epilobium) draws hummingbirds all summer and fall.

California native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting materials that local wildlife depend on. While many birds, insects, and animals are generalists—feeding on a wide range of seeds, nectar, pollen, or fruit—others rely on very specific plants for part or all of their life cycle. By planting natives, your garden can support both types: offering resources for generalists while also sustaining species with more specialized needs. In doing so, you create vital habitat that helps wildlife thrive.

Growing California native plants is one of the most effective ways to conserve water. Because they have evolved to thrive in local soils and climate, most natives require little to no supplemental irrigation once established. Many are adapted to California’s pattern of wet winters and dry summers, making them naturally drought-tolerant.

Native plants also help reduce the need for fertilizers, since they are already suited to regional soil conditions. This not only saves resources but also prevents chemical and nutrient runoff that can harm streams, rivers, and groundwater.

By planting California natives, you are reducing water use, protecting local water quality, and creating a landscape that is both beautiful and sustainable in the long term.

If your native plant isn’t thriving, start by checking the growing conditions:

• Light – right balance of sun and shade
  
• Soil – drainage and type (clay, sandy, loam)
  
• Water – avoid both over- and under-watering
  
• Pests/disease – inspect for signs of stress

Remember, some natives naturally drop leaves or go semi-dormant in summer to conserve water. This seasonal change is normal and not a sign of decline.

If the plant seems mismatched to its location, adjust care where possible or move it during mild winter weather. With the right spot and attention, most natives will recover and thrive.