Native plants offer numerous benefits for your garden and the surrounding ecosystem. These plants have evolved in our climate and soil types. They are essential for local wildlife, and require less water, less maintenance, and less pesticides.

Each month, we will feature a native plant that will help make your garden more sustainable and attract pollinators.

June 2025

CLEVELAND SAGE 

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a perennial flowering native plant that thrives in Coronado’s coastal gardens. The sage’s long-lasting colorful blooms and evergreen fragrant leaves attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Cleveland Sage prefers dry soil with either full sun or light shade. This hardy, fast-growing plant requires only light pruning in late fall to deliver blue-purple flowers in spring and summer. While the plant is considered drought-tolerant, it appreciates monthly watering in summer as well as mulch around its base. Mature Cleveland sage can grow up to 5 feet high and wide. 

July 2025

CALIFORNIA BUCKWHEAT

California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is a common native plant that grows easily in our coastal climate. These plants are currently bursting with blooms, which consist of clustered white to light pink flowers. California buckwheat blooms from May to October, when the flower bunches turn red to burgundy as they age and dry out.

 In the garden, the plants need sun and well-draining soil. They are extremely drought-tolerant and are an important food source for butterflies and bees. The plants, which can be pruned, typically grow to a height of 1 to 7 feet and a width of 3 feet.

 Information on California buckwheat and other native plants can be found on the California Native Plant Society's Calscape website.