Where to Grow

• Sonoma is best suited to dry and sunny locations and will not do well in shaded areas, or in areas where there is standing water or poor drainage. As an ornamental shrub for landscaping that grows to 5 to 8 feet, it needs room to grow. This plant is a good spotlight shrub as a single planting or a border shrub to screen unwanted views. Plant 4 to 5 feet apart at least, 10 feet if possible. Sonoma will grow large in a couple of years, so adequate spacing is important. Suited to slopes and hills, it will not do well in rich soils with a lot of organic material or with regular watering and fertilizing. An ideal location has loose, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun.
  
  

Water Requirements

• Sonoma is extremely drought-tolerant and grows well even in infertile soils. After watering during initial planting, Sonoma does not need much attention; it doesn't need drip irrigation or regular supplemental watering more often than once a month. This plant will not live long in wet soils or in areas with standing water.
  
  

Use and Propagation

• The fragrant flowers of Sonoma attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and the foliage attracts deer, which may be destructive in some areas. This plant is a good shrub for slopes or hilly locations with poor soil and full sun to prevent soil erosion. Sonoma is propagated by seed, which must be soaked for a long time and then chilled for up to three months before sprouting. The seed can lie dormant and remain viable for years, and in nature, the seeds will sprout after fires. Sonoma plants also sprout from roots and stems, so the observant gardener can cut out or dig up newly sprouted plants for separation to different areas or to plant in pots for the greenhouse or nursery. The flowers can be used fresh or dried during shampooing, for a finishing rinse or as an herbal bath treatment.