For example, California natives do not grow naturally with garden flowers. Our native species are not generally used to the large amounts of water and fertilizer required by traditional garden flowers. Many live in mycorrhizial association with an underground partner. Most garden flowers do not. Plants should be grouped according to their lifestyles and needs.
Some plants are very tolerant the stress from harsh conditions or extreme variation in condition.
Over generations, they have developed mechanisms to help them face hard times. These plants are found in areas of long droughts, extreme temperatures and in area where soils lack nutrition. They are generally very efficient. They will keep each leaf for many years until it is no longer useful. They then the remove the energy and drop the leaf.