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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 PHASES OF LANDSCAPING SHOULD BE DONE FIRST, AND LAST?
What we call 'hardscape' should be installed first – such as walkways, walls, stonework, patios, and such. Then will come all of the irrigation and electrical installation work, to be followed finally with landscape plantings, or ‘softscape.’