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OUR MISSION IS TO TAILOR FOR EACH CLIENT A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND ENDURING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE A PLACE OF SERENITY FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO APPRECIATE FOR YEARS TO COME.
BuildCal Landscape Landscaping Article
Top 10 Drought-Tolerant Plants for Glendale Landscaping in 2025
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Why Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Is the Smart Choice for Glendale, CA
Glendale, CA experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters — making water conservation not just eco-friendly, but essential. With rising water rates and strict landscape regulations, homeowners are turning to drought-tolerant landscaping that’s beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance.
At BuildCal, we’ve helped over 500 families in Glendale replace thirsty lawns with thriving native gardens. Our approach? Design with nature — not against it.
Here are the Top 10 Drought-Tolerant Plants for Glendale Landscaping in 2025, selected for resilience, aesthetics, and low upkeep — all proven in real projects across our local neighborhoods.
1. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Why it works: The state flower thrives in full sun and poor soil. Blooms bright orange from spring through early summer.
Perfect for: Front yards, slopes, and naturalized meadows.
BuildCal Tip: We plant these in clusters along stone pathways for a wildflower effect — no irrigation needed after establishment.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Why it works: Fragrant, pollinator-friendly, and blooms for months. Tolerates heat and requires minimal water once rooted.
Perfect for: Border edges, near patios, or entryways.
BuildCal Tip: We pair lavender with gravel mulch and soft outdoor lighting to create a calming nighttime ambiance — ideal for those who want an outdoor kitchen space that feels like a retreat.
3. Agave (Agave parryi & Agave americana)
Why it works: Sculptural, architectural, and nearly indestructible. Stores water in thick leaves.
Perfect for: Modern landscapes, rock gardens, or as focal points.
BuildCal Tip: We use agave as living art in hardscaping designs — especially when paired with California-native stone and pavers.
4. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
Why it works: Evergreen shrub with red bark and small bell-shaped flowers. Attracts hummingbirds.
Perfect for: Slopes, erosion control, and underplanting beneath trees.
BuildCal Tip: We’ve installed manzanita in over 30 Glendale yards with retaining wall construction — it stabilizes soil while adding elegance.
5. Sage (Salvia leucophylla & Salvia greggii)
Why it works: Purple or white blooms all summer. Deer-resistant and thrives in heat.
Perfect for: Mixed borders, pollinator gardens, or near outdoor lighting features.
BuildCal Tip: We use sage to soften the edges of patio installation projects — it adds color without water demands.
6. Ceanothus (California Lilac)
Why it works: Fast-growing, evergreen, and covered in blue or white flowers in spring.
Perfect for: Hedges, privacy screens, or background plantings.
BuildCal Tip: We install this as a natural privacy hedge alternative to bamboo — no chemicals, no pruning, just beauty.
7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Why it works: Drought-hardy perennial with flat flower clusters. Tolerates foot traffic.
Perfect for: Between stepping stones or in meadow-style lawns.
BuildCal Tip: We use yarrow as a “living mulch” in landscape design projects to suppress weeds naturally — no herbicides needed.
8. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
Why it works: Bright red tubular flowers bloom in late summer — a magnet for hummingbirds.
Perfect for: Dry slopes, rock gardens, or under oak trees.
BuildCal Tip: We plant this near outdoor lighting to highlight its glow at dusk — a subtle, magical touch.
9. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Why it works: Explosive color, thrives in heat, and grows well in containers or trained on walls.
Perfect for: Fence lines, trellises, and deck & pergola structures.
BuildCal Tip: We use bougainvillea to frame outdoor kitchen areas — adding vibrant color without water waste.
10. Blue Fescue Grass (Festuca glauca)
Why it works: Fine-textured, blue-gray ornamental grass. Requires almost no water after establishment.
Perfect for: Edging, containers, or as a soft ground cover.
BuildCal Tip: We replace traditional turf with clumps of blue fescue in front yard landscaping — creating texture and movement without mowing.
I have a small yard… what works for me?
We design compact, low-maintenance yards with easy pathways, drought-tolerant plants, and soft outdoor lighting that creates a calm, welcoming feel. You won’t need to mow every week.
“Before BuildCal, my Glendale backyard was just dirt and weeds. They replaced it with lavender, agave, and stone steps — now I sit out there every evening with my coffee. It’s not a yard. It’s my sanctuary.”
— Maria R., Glendale, CA
My yard is old and messy… can you fix it?
Yes. We specialize in reviving neglected yards — we remove weeds, rebuild paths, add new plants, and install smart irrigation systems. We turn a “jungle of weeds” into a peaceful retreat.
“I inherited a 30-year-old garden full of invasive ivy. BuildCal didn’t just clean it — they redesigned it. Now I have native plants, a stone walkway, and drip irrigation. My water bill dropped 60%.”
— James T., La Cañada Flintridge
Can you install outdoor lighting?
Yes. We design lighting that highlights your favorite features — whether it’s your entrance, pool, or favorite tree. The lights are gentle, safe, and energy-efficient. We’ve installed outdoor lighting in over 200 Glendale homes since 2010.
I want pathways or an outdoor patio?
Yes. We build walkways from natural California-native stone and patios from heat-resistant pavers — all crafted by skilled hands, built to last without cracks or damage. Our hardscaping work is documented with before-and-after photos for every project.
“They didn’t just lay pavers — they matched the color to my home’s stucco. Now my patio feels like it’s always been there.”
— Layla Abdullah, Glendale
What makes you different from other companies?
We don’t just plant trees. We design a space where you can sit with your family, drink coffee, and relax. Every project starts with a personal meeting — we listen to you, see your space, and understand how you want to live in it.
We’re the ONLY company in Glendale that offers:
→ A free, no-pressure personal meeting — we walk your yard, listen to you, and learn how you want to live in it
→ Custom designs for each home — no copied templates
→ Drought-resistant plants — so you save water and avoid constant upkeep
→ Guarantee on all work — we don’t just build, we make sure it lasts
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Stop paying for water you don’t need. Start enjoying a yard that looks beautiful — and works with your life.
We’ve helped hundreds of Glendale homeowners replace thirsty lawns with stunning, low-water landscapes.
Let us do the same for you.
Call BuildCal today at (+1 (818) 303-1570) for a free, no-obligation consultation — we’ll walk your property, listen to your vision, and show you exactly how your dream yard can become reality.
Thinking about a new outdoor space?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s explore what’s possible—no pressure, just a friendly conversation.
Give us a call:
+1 (818) 303-1570
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Frequently Asked Question
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, AND LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS?
Landscape designers may provide design ideas, landscape plans, planting plans and lighting plans. Some also offer installation-related services such as material selection or plant placement. While they may provide conceptual ideas on garden structures, irrigation, and hardscape layout, most are not licensed to provide construction drawings. Likewise, while they may work closely with contractors overseeing the aesthetic elements of an installation, most are not licensed to provide actual construction services. Their education is in residential design, which emphasizes design strategies, hardscape options, and plant materials appropriate for residential projects.
Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California and, in addition to the plans typically provided by a landscape designer, are qualified to produce construction-ready plans that may include complex retaining walls, grading and drainage plans, and physical structures. Their training emphasizes design for large public and commercial spaces such as parks and commercial landscapes, although some specialize in residential projects.
Landscape contractors are licensed to install the designs created by landscape designers and landscape architects. Some are design/build companies, and provide design and maintenance services as well. When working with a design/build firm, be sure to clarify the design process used and whether you will receive landscape drawings for your review and approval or just a verbal or written description of the landscape to be installed. Some design/build companies bundle the design fees with the cost of construction, but it is still important to understand the design cost component should you decide to hire a different company for installation.