Waterwise Plants

There’s more to waterwise gardening than cacti and rock!

The Pacific Northwest has many spectacular native, hybrid native, and other plants adapted to local climate and soil conditions.
Once established, native and adapted plants are very low maintenance, require little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on minimal water.

Read below to learn more about how to choose the right plants for your yard’s micro climates and soil conditions.

Match Plants with Appropriate Growing Conditions

The Willamette Valley, including the Portland metro area, is rated a zone 6. Plants rated for zone 6 are hardy enough to survive winter temperatures as low as 1 to −10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants rated a zone 8 or lower can also be planted in our area. A zone 8 rating means that plants are hardy enough to survive low temperatures, ranging from 29 to 13 degrees. In colder weather, these plants will need to be covered with mulch to protect the roots.

Not sure what types of plants you want in your garden? Take a look at Regional Water Providers Consortium to start exploring the possibilities.

Group Plants With Similar Water Needs

Different plants need different amounts of water, sun and shade to survive. Some microclimates of your yard are probably hotter and drier, or wetter and cooler, than others.

Water to Your Plant’s Needs

On average, we recommend watering your lawn about an inch a week – a bitPlants more during long, hot, dry spells and a bit less during the cooler spring and fall.  Trees, shrubs and perennials typically don’t need water as frequently, however they may require more volume at each cycle, so it is best to check with your local garden center or landscape professional on your plant’s specific watering needs.

Read more at https://www.conserveh2o.org

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