Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Pinterest
My Plant Collections
Common Name Botanical Name
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Pinterest
My Plant Collections
Common Name Botanical Name
Create Your Garden
Regions

San Francisco Bay Area - Inspiring Garden Ideas for all Gardeners

Gardening in the San Francisco region offers a unique and rewarding experience for gardeners, thanks to its mild, Mediterranean-like climate, diverse microclimates, and rich horticultural history. The city’s moderate temperatures, wet winters, and dry summers create a perfect environment for a wide variety of plant species to thrive.

Weather and Sunset Climate Zones

San Francisco’s weather is characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from 46°F to 66°F throughout the year. Coastal fog is a common occurrence, especially during the summer months, providing natural moisture for plants. Winter rains can be plentiful, supplying much-needed water for the growing season ahead.

San Francisco lies within Sunset Climate Zones 7,9,14, and 17.

Garden Styles

San Francisco’s diverse garden styles are influenced by its multicultural history, geography, and climate. Popular styles include Mediterranean, coastal, drought-tolerant, and native plant gardens. Many gardeners in the region also cultivate edibles, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, often integrating them into ornamental landscapes.

Popular Plants

The San Francisco region supports an abundance of plant species, including both native and exotic varieties. Popular plants in the area include California lilac (Ceanothus), California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Pacific Coast iris (Iris douglasiana), and western sword fern (Polystichum munitum). Succulents, such as jade plants (Crassula ovata) and aeoniums (Aeonium spp.), are also widely grown. In addition, many gardeners enjoy growing cool-season vegetables, such as kale, lettuce, and peas, as well as warm-season crops, like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

San Francisco Bay Area and Inland Region, San Francisco Region gardening, San Francisco garden, San Francisco Climate, San Francisco Region
Explore Guides Explore Plants
Refine by
Clear all filters
Plant Types
HardinessWhat's My Zone?
Climate Zones
Season of Interest
Exposure
Maintenance

Create the garden you’ve always wanted

Get garden design ideas

Find your perfect garden

Find the plants that work for you

Ideas for seasons and regions

Design your garden

Use our interactive tools
to design your dream garden

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Create New Collection

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

Go to Garden Design Tool Done

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member
Go to Garden Design Tool

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Cancel Create Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Create Collection

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Create Collection

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone