Landscaping

A tough, spreading groundcover shrub that hugs the slope with silver-green foliage and fragrant yellow flowers. Excellent for erosion control on hillside lots — critical in Altadena's terrain — while requiring almost no supplemental water once established.

A dramatic succulent with deep burgundy-black rosettes atop tall stems — one of the most striking architectural plants in California gardens. Thrives in Altadena's mild winters and dry summers, requiring virtually no care while providing bold, year-round contrast against light-colored stucco walls.

A bold, architectural statement plant with creamy-yellow striped blue-grey leaves. Naturally suited to Altadena's climate — virtually indestructible in the local heat and drought. Its imposing form provides structure and security while its striking variegation adds year-round visual interest without maintenance.

The softer, spineless cousin of the classic agave — perfect for family environments with children and pets. Its graceful, powder-blue rosettes and dramatic arching flower spike make it the most elegant agave available. Completely at home in coastal Southern California's mild climate.

One of the finest aloes for Southern California gardens — flat, smooth, spineless grey-green leaves blush coral-pink in full sun, topped by brilliant orange-red flower spikes in winter and spring. A hummingbird magnet that provides color precisely when the garden needs it most, with zero maintenance required.

An Australian native that has naturalized beautifully into California's Mediterranean climate. Its velvety, tubular flowers in red, orange, and yellow provide extraordinary color from spring through fall and are irresistible to hummingbirds. Thrives in exactly the heat and low humidity Altadena delivers.

An architectural succulent with pencil-thin branching stems that glow orange-red in sun and cool temperatures — creating a fiery sculptural effect that complements the home's contemporary aesthetic. Extremely drought-tolerant and virtually maintenance-free, ideal for the low-water mandate of Altadena's fire zone.

A vigorous, heat-loving spreader blanketed in cheerful golden-yellow flower clusters from spring through frost. One of the most dependable performers in Southern California's hot, dry slopes — attracts butterflies and is completely ignored by deer. Its spreading habit quickly fills space while suppressing weeds naturally.

A low, spreading succulent groundcover with cool powder-blue cylindrical leaves that create a striking carpet effect. One of the finest fire-resistant groundcovers for Southern California — its high moisture content in leaves slows flame spread while its pale blue color contrasts beautifully with dark gravel or warm stucco tones.

A fast-spreading, white-flowering iceplant that quickly colonizes open soil and prevents erosion on slopes. Its fleshy, water-storing leaves give it exceptional fire-retardant properties — widely used in California's fire-zone landscaping requirements. Blooms prolifically in spring with cheerful white daisy flowers against deep green foliage.

California's premier lawn alternative — a dense, traffic-tolerant groundcover that looks like a lush lawn but uses 80% less water than turf grass. Certified by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) as low water, it's the ideal solution for Altadena's water restrictions while maintaining a refined, manicured appearance.

A robust, fast-growing succulent groundcover with brilliant magenta-pink flowers that has been a staple of California hillside stabilization for decades. Its thick, water-filled leaves are among the most fire-resistant plant tissues available — a critical advantage in Altadena's wildland interface zone. Covers large areas quickly with zero irrigation once established.