Good Yard Plant for Northern CA

[MomToOne]

My father passed away this weekend. I'd like to plant a bush or some sort of plant in our back yard with my daughter in memory of him.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice plant that would grow well in Northern California, in a high sun location? I'd like something that would stay green year round, and possibly that flowers in the spring or fall. I have a drip irrigation system that will keep it well watered. Something that would grow to be about 3-4 feet tall would be perfect for the spot I have in mind.

(And in case anyone is thinking why the heck is this on the budget board, here's the tie in: I have a tendency to put the wrong plants in the wrong spots, so let's just say I find myself wasting alot of money buying new plants for the same old spots - I'd like to get this one right the first time, so I don't have to do it again!! That, and I spend almost all my time on this board....)

ETA: I am in the Central Valley, not on the coast, so we can get a medium to hard freeze a few times each winter. Something more likely to survive those would be great.

 

[java]

I was going to suggest one of the Western Dogwoods- but those get bigger than 4 feet.
What about a Crape Myrtle? I love those but can't grow them here.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. And I think it's a wonderful idea to remember him.

 

[RangerPooh]

I grew up in Santa Clara County and while these aren't necessarily what you want they grew well in our yard/climate:
Roses
Wisteria
Magnolia Trees

 

[MomToOne]

I grew up in Santa Clara County and while these aren't necessarily what you want they grew well in our yard/climate:
Roses
Wisteria
Magnolia Trees

After some reading, I'm actually thinking of a double red Knock-Out rose bush

I lived in San Jose for over 15 years before moving to Sac. I had a yard full of roses, but they were soooooo much work that I said never again. But then I heard about how Knock-Outs pretty much take care of themselves, so I think I may give them a try. I definitely love the look of roses, just hate all the maintenance.

And somehow a rose bush fits my father - a bit thorny sometimes, but with a beautiful soul

 

[Brancaneve]

I am in the Sacramento Area and highly recommend that you check out the UC Davis Arboretum website. The arboretum has put together a list of 100 All Star plants that are drought tolerant and excellent for our soil and area. They also have plant sales but you might be able to find the same plant at another nursery nearby. The plants are gorgeous, with unusual blooms.

Camelias are also excellent, and bloom in early spring. They always wake me up out of my winter slumber, and the blooms are so beautiful and big.

I also recommend Japanese maples but some are sensitive to the hot sun, so you may have to search for a hardy variety or find another spot.

My condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father. A plant is an excellent reminder of his life!

 

[minniecarousel]

MomtoOne - my sympathy on the loss of your father.

I have beautiful dwarf Japanese maples that get a little stick-looking in the winter, but they're beautiful & full now. Our hydrangeas are the same way. As for roses, ours bloom until we prune them in January and they start to bloom again in April. We don't get as hot or as cold as you do - but we're close.

 

[minniebeth]

I am so sorry for the loss of your father~

We lived in Northern California and you will see oleander shrubs/bushes everywhere. They are very hearty and have bright, beautiful flowers. Low maintanance and do well with little water for periods of time.

What a beautiful tribute~