Sunset Zone 24 Perennials

Ground Covers

• When designing outdoor spaces in Sunset zone 24, ground cover alternatives to traditional grassy lawns are recommended. For example, the succulent Aptenia cordifolia (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium), a South African native, is a red-flowering trailing plant that roots easily, even in rock gardens. Another South African species, cape weed (Arctotheca calendula) also is a recommended perennial in this maritime zone. With yellow daisy-like blooms, cape weed grows particularly well on hillsides. Ice plant (Lampranthus spp.) is a succulent variety of perennial ground cover. Also known as “Redondo Creeper” and “Pink Vygiie,” ice plants can produce yellow, orange, pink, red or purple flowers, depending on variety.

Hedges

• Perennials can be used as hedges in Sunset zone 24 gardens, providing privacy with the creation of a living wall. The European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus) can grow from 2 to 15 feet high and wide depending on the variety. It features maple-like leaves, springtime blooms and red fruit. Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) is also well-suited for use as a hedge, reaching heights between 6 and 8 feet. Native to Mexico, this perennial produces fragrant white flowers that blossom from late winter through summer. Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) grows up to 30 feet tall but typically tops off at 8 to 15 feet. The large summer flowers come in shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange.

Seacoast Gardens

• Because zone 24 lines the Pacific, garden perennials will need to withstand seasprays, water stress and coastal storms. Ground morning glory (Convolvulus sabatius) is one such example. Not climbers like their Ipomoea cousins, ground morning glory plants are only 1 to 2 feet high and produce blue-lavender flowers in summer and fall. Originally from Europe, self-sowing sea lavender (Limonium spp.) has adapted well to the California coast, producing flowers that feature separately colored calyx and corolla, typically in shades of purple and white. Although raised as an annual in much of the United States, common geranium (Pelargonium spp.) can be raised as perennials in warmer climates.

Wind-Resistant Plants

• To grow well in zone 24, perennials must also be able to withstand coastal winds, which can dry out plants, challenge their root systems, strip leaves, and damage trunks and stems. Originally from South Africa, Lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus spp.) produces delicate purple and white flowers that bloom in summer. Another perennial well suited for the Southern California garden is blue Marguerite (Felicia amelloides). If regularly maintained and deadheaded, this pretty plant with blue daisy-like flowers will produce blooms continuously.