Some time ago, the horticulture staff of the UC Davis Arboretum identified 100 easy-to-grow plants.

Not only were these varieties reliable, but didn’t need much water and had few problems with pests or diseases.

As it turned out, the perennials, groundcovers, vines, shrubs, and trees in this study proved to be beneficial these current drought conditions.

“We joined the Arboretum All-Stars in 2007,” said Paul Yasaitis, who handles sales for McCall’s Nurseries, Inc.

The Arboretum All-Stars are top plants recommended by the horticulture staff at UC Davis. 

McCall’s was among the half dozen nurseries from throughout the state to join the partnership consisting of Pacific, Gas & Electric, Regional Water Authority, and Master Tag, Inc.

This collaborative effort – along with UC Davis, the California Center for Urban Horticulture is part of this joint project – was formed to help the home gardener make eco-friendly plant choices. The goal was to enhance one’s landscape with beauty and sustainability while using low-maintenance plants.

“As it turned out, we need it now more than ever (given drought),” said Yasaitis, who indicated that every nursery on his route is currently looking to purchase more drought tolerant plants.

Among the perennials making the All-Stars was the ‘Island Pink.’ This colorful pink flowers in spring, summer and fall is not only native to California but requires low to medium watering. What’s more the flowers from this plant attract butterflies and beneficial insects.

The Arboretum found that snow-in-summer (cerastium tomentosum), as a ground cover, is ideal for the Central Valley gardens given that it can thrive in low to medium amounts of irrigation. The silver foliage serves as good contrast with green-leaved plants.

The isomeris arborea or bladder pod was among the All-Star shrubs. This California native plant is an evergreen, blooms year round and required deep watering but only once a month.

When it comes to trees, the valley oak made the list. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since the indigenous tree provides shelter and food for many native insects while tolerating high heat, drought and alkaline soil. The water requirements for the valley oak are deeply, once or twice a month, or not at all.

The UC Davis Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden. What’s more, it’s a living museum located on campus and is open to the public throughout the year.

For more information, log on to www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu.