🌿 PlantWise
Plant Guide

Best Plants for San Francisco, California

📍 San Francisco, CA 🌡️ USDA Zone 10a 🌱 62+ compatible plants

Gardening in San Francisco

San Francisco falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, which means your plants need to survive winters with minimum temperatures in the 30°F to 40°F range. The 62+ plants below are proven performers for your zone — including deer-resistant varieties, pet-friendly options, and pollinator-attracting species.

Top Plant Picks for San Francisco

Coleus
Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Vibrant, multicolored foliage brightens summer gardens with shades of red, green, and purple that last through USDA zones 10-11. This low-maintenance, shade-tolerant plant adds striking color without attracting deer.
Zone 2–11🦌 Deer-Resistant
Nandina
Nandina
Nandina domestica
Delicate clusters of white to pink blooms in spring add year-round interest with vibrant red foliage in fall. This deer-resistant shrub thrives in USDA zones 6-9 and requires minimal care.
Zone 6–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Marigold
Marigold
Tagetes patula
Bright orange and yellow blooms light up gardens from summer to fall, adding vibrant color and cheer. This low-maintenance, deer-resistant flower thrives in USDA zones 2-11 and attracts pollinators.
Zone 2–11🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Ceanothus
Ceanothus
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
Vibrant blue blossoms burst in spring on this evergreen shrub, creating a stunning coastal display. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, it thrives in USDA zones 7-10.
Zone 7–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Zinnia
Zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Vibrant, daisy-like blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange brighten summer gardens with nonstop color. Thriving in USDA zones 3-10, zinnias attract pollinators and require minimal care.
Zone 2–11🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica
A dense, slow-growing warm-season grass that forms a thick carpet resistant to weeds, drought, and foot traffic. Excellent for families with dogs.
Zone 6–11🐾 Pet-Friendly†
Turk's Cap
Turk's Cap
Malvaviscus arboreus
Vibrant red, hibiscus-like blooms appear from summer to fall, adding bright color to shady spots. This deer-resistant beauty thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and attracts hummingbirds.
Zone 7–11🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Arbequina Olive Tree
Arbequina Olive Tree
Olea europaea 'Arbequina'
Delightful pink and white blooms from June to September add charm to this evergreen tree, thriving in zones 8-10. Low-maintenance and pet-friendly, it attracts pollinators while requiring medium water.
Zone 8–10🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
California Poppy
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Vibrant orange blooms light up spring and summer gardens with a cheerful glow. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant beauty thrives in USDA zones 6-10 and attracts pollinators.
Zone 6–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐝 Pollinator
Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Near-black, grass-like evergreen foliage that makes a striking urn skirt, edging, or contrast groundcover. Slow-spreading clumper for USDA zones 6–11.
Zone 6–11🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia × grandiflora
Vibrant red and yellow blooms light up summer through fall, adding a cheerful splash of color to any garden. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant beauty thrives in USDA zones 3-10 and attracts pollinators effortlessly.
Zone 3–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator
Fremontodendron
Fremontodendron
Fremontodendron californicum
Bright yellow, fragrant blooms light up late spring and summer, creating a stunning display in any garden. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant shrub thrives in USDA zones 7-10 with minimal care.
Zone 7–10🦌 Deer-Resistant🐾 Pet-Friendly†🐝 Pollinator

Get a Personalized Plant List for San Francisco

Answer 4 quick questions about your yard — sun, soil, deer pressure, and pet situation — and get a custom list of plants that will thrive in Zone 10a.

Start the Plant Advisor →

Other Cities in Zone 10a

Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ San Diego, CA Mesa, AZ Miami, FL Anaheim, CA

Browse All 62+ Plants for Zone 10a

The 12 picks above are a sample. Use the full directory to filter by sun, water, deer resistance, and more.

View All Zone 10 Plants →

† "Pet-friendly" means not listed as toxic by ASPCA for dogs and/or cats. Always supervise pets around plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.