Manzanita with pines and oaks, creek plants with creek plants. When To Plant Natives One of the myths of 'drought tolerant', xeriscaping, and native landscaping is that you can only plant in fall. Don't underestimate California plants, but don't bring soft coastal plants to spots like ours in winter, they freeze. Because of the fault system, elevations, and climate a yard can have 2-3 radically different soils. Sand lovers don't grow in clay, clay lovers can't grow in clay.
Roots Forget the lush top, it's the roots that matter.
Watering Float the suckers when you first plant them and then wean them off. It doesn't rain in California from April to December. Don't water in the summer unless you plant in the summer. Ignorance is not an excuse. Drought tolerant and xeriscape recommendations ignore the ecology of the plants.