Watering native plants

Native plant watering needs

California native plants are adapted to our rainfall cycles, but new plants need help until established (about 1–2 years, or when doubled in size). Even mature drought-adapted plants may need occasional water during extreme heat or dry winters.. Riparian species always need regular water.

Watering plants the first year

Watering needs vary by location and plant species. This table offers a general guide to watering low-water plants the first 12 months after planting. Always consider your site conditions and adjust accordingly.

Learn more about watering here

Watering after the first year

Year 2 watering

By year two, most low or very-low water plants need water once a month or less in non-rainy periods. Water in cooler times of the day.

Year 3 watering

By year three, most non-riparian native plants can survive with little to no supplemental irrigation. Native plants that naturally grow near water (riparian plants) remain irrigation-dependent.

Know which plants are "summer dry"

Some plants, like oaks, bulbs, geophytes, and native grasses, require a dry rest in summer and may rot or get fungal issues if watered.

Many drought-adapted species benefit from a light monthly soak in summer. Check Calscape for species-specific needs.

Watering tips for native plants

Water deeply and less often

As plants mature, less frequent and longer watering encourages root growth. This helps plants become stronger and more resistant to drought.

Water early in the morning

Water before direct sun hits the plants. Avoid watering at night, which can contribute to mildew in some plants. Turn off irrigation before rain arrives.

Check your soil

Your sense of touch is a great way to know what your plants need. If the soil below the surface is dry, and your plant is not an established drought-adapted plant, water deeply.

Keep an eye on your plants

Notice how your plants respond to the frequency and amount of water you're giving them. Native gardening is a process that invites observation.

During the rainy season, plants generally are growing their roots.

New plants are becoming established. If noticeable gaps occur during the rainy season, give your plants supplemental irrigation.

Design for using rainwater

Keep rainwater on your property by mimicking nature’s contours. Use swales, berms, and dry creeks help capture and direct water.

Check appealing low-water native gardens in the Garden Gallery

Plant in fall (mostly)

Winter rains grow strong roots for summer survival.

Water wisely during drought

Replace lawns, use climate-suited natives, and water wisely.

Learn more about gardening in drought

Water before a heat wave

Soak deeply a few days ahead of extreme heat.

Mulch like nature

Use mulch suited to your plant community; then let leaf litter build naturally. (For fire safety, keep fallen leaves and needles at least 30 feet from structures.)

Mulching basics

Tips for irrigating native plants

Water at the drip line

Encourage outward root growth; move irrigation out as plants grow.

Drought stress helps

Mild stress promotes deeper root systems,

See irrigation placement examples

Hose watering

Target drip line, not just root ball.

Soaker hoses

Easy, inexpensive, best for trees and small spaces.

Individual drippers

Use multiple per plant; avoid tiny root balls.

Inline driplines

Slow, even irrigation, good for burying under soil.

Overhead sprinklers

Less efficient but works for meadows and native lawns.

Watch: Native Plant Watering 101

Learn the ins and outs of native plant irrigation from the California Native Plant Society Horticulture team and UC Davis Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture Haven Kiers.

Watch webinar now

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