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California Beeplant

Scrophularia californica

Also listed as Scrophularia oregana, Scrophularia multiflora

Also known as California Figwort

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 9b – Zone 10b

Climate Match for your location

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A California native perennial with tubular flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires minimal water once established.

Why grow it

California beeplant offers reliable pollinator support in water-limited gardens where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to hybrid flowering perennials, it establishes slowly but requires less supplemental irrigation and fertilizer once mature, making it practical for xeric landscapes. Its tubular flowers serve both native bees and hummingbirds over an extended bloom period.

Watch out for

This species prefers well-draining soil and may decline in areas with heavy summer watering or humid climates where fungal diseases can develop. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture their first season, which can conflict with its eventual drought tolerance, requiring some adjustment in irrigation management during establishment.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
2–4′ tall × 2–3′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Pollinators & beneficial insectsMedicinal

Native to the United States

Native Range

California native

Native to: California

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

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Companion Planting

Plants well with