San Francisco Plant Directory for Landscaping

These are plants that, from our experience, do well in San Francisco’s unique Mediterranean style micro-climate. This plant directory can help those living in San Francisco or in the Bay Area to search out many different styles of plants that are suitable for any landscaping project. Some plants are native to the San Francisco area while others are non-native but still thrive within the San Francisco area’s climate.

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  Heavenly Bamboo

  Nandina Domestica

  Despite it’s name, this plant isn’t bamboo at all. The thin, bony-like stems are reminiscent of them, but are in fact a member of the barberry family. Heavenly Bamboo is a dramatic plant for your landscape, turning from this rich green color, to a bold red hue in the winter season. Clip a few branches off and add them to your home!

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  Hollywood Juniper

  Juniperus Chinensis Torulosa

  There may be more species of the Juniper than any other plant. This particular species lives in the shrub family and is known for it’s unique, irregular appearance. They attract a plethora of birds and need very little maintenance.

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  Horsetail Reed Grass

  Equisetum Hyemale

  This species is originally a survivor of the Carboniferous Age in Europe and North America. Horsetail Reed Grass are slender and a beautiful shade of green, giving a “bushy” look reminiscent of a horse’s tail.

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  Japanese Garden Juniper

  Juniperus Procumbens Nana

  In contrast to the Hollywood Juniper, the Japanese Garden Juniper is of the groundcover variety. It’s feather, yet sturdy branches create a low-lying blue and green accent to your landscaping.

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  Japanese Red Maple

  Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum

  Japanese Red Maples do quite well in our moderate San Francisco climate. It’s not hot enough here to burn the delicate leaves, and they don’t dry out from lack of moisture in the earth and air. With simple maintenance, these will be a great addition to your landscaping.

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  Lily of the Nile

  Agapanthum Peter Pan

  Originally from South Africa, these varieties of plants make a happy home in San Francisco landscapes. They combine well with other plants, and attract butterflies.

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  Maori Maiden or Rainbow Maiden

  Phormium

  The Maori Maiden hails all the way from New Zealand, providing us with an easy to maintain, and colorful landscaping plant. The Maiden version of this perennial has a beautiful salmon-pink color with a slight olive green stripe at its edge. It’s got a lovely arch to it, as well.

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  Maori Queen or Rainbow Queen

  Phormium

  The Maori Queen is a close relative to it’s “Maiden” version, but is noticeable smaller in size, with colors cream, coral, and bronze throughout the leaves.

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  Mexican Feather Grass

  Stipa Tenuissima

  Virtually every landscape can do with some Mexican Feather Grass gracing it. This feathery looking ornamental grass adds a soft and colorful touch to its environment.

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  Mondo Grass

  Ophiopogon Japonicus

  The Mondo Grass is a perennial that does quite well as groundcover, anywhere from pathways to rock gardens. They’re really easy to grow and offer some protection against snails and slugs. During the summer season, you might even see a delicate lily-colored flower arise from the clump.