California’s Zone 9 offers a favorable climate for a wide range of low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that produce eye-catching flowers. Here are some excellent options for landscaping in this zone:

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Flower Color: Purple, blue

• Bloom Time: Spring to late summer

• Description: Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its silvery foliage and spikes of purple flowers add color and texture to the landscape. It's also very low-maintenance and resistant to most pests.

  
  

  Here is an image of Lavender in full bloom, featuring its signature purple flower spikes and aromatic, silvery-green foliage.

  

2. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

• Flower Color: Purple, lavender, pink

• Bloom Time: Spring to summer

• Description: Spanish Lavender produces unique, tufted flowers on short stems. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is highly fragrant, making it a favorite in water-wise gardens.

  
  

  Here is an image of Spanish Lavender in full bloom, with its distinctive "rabbit ear" petals atop vibrant purple flowers.

  

3. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

• Flower Color: Bright orange, yellow

• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer

• Description: As California’s state flower, this plant thrives in poor, well-drained soils and full sun. It self-seeds easily, making it a great low-maintenance option for large areas where you want a burst of color.

  
  

  Here is an image of the California Poppy in full bloom, showcasing its bright orange flowers. This iconic, drought-tolerant plant is perfect for California's water-wise gardens and adds vibrant color to any landscape.

  

4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Flower Color: Blue, purple, pink, red, white

• Bloom Time: Spring through fall

• Description: Salvias are drought-tolerant perennials that come in a wide variety of colors. They attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, and require minimal water once established. The species Salvia clevelandii is native to California and perfect for dry landscapes.

  
  

  Here are different Salvia varieties in full bloom, showcasing their colorful spikes of flowers. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in sunny gardens and are popular for attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

  

5. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

• Flower Color: Magenta, pink, orange, red, white

• Bloom Time: Year-round in warm climates

• Description: Bougainvillea is a vibrant, drought-tolerant vine or shrub that can add bold color to any landscape. It prefers full sun and is low-maintenance once established. This plant is ideal for creating eye-catching focal points in the garden.

  
  

  Here is an image of Bougainvillea, showcasing the vibrant magenta and pink flowers in full bloom.

  

6. Lantana (Lantana camara)

• Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white

• Bloom Time: Spring to frost

• Description: Lantana is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that produces clusters of small, multicolored flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and attracts butterflies. It’s perfect for ground cover or borders.

  
  

  Here is an image of Lantana in full bloom, showcasing its vibrant clusters of yellow, orange, pink, and red flowers.

  

7. Rockrose (Cistus spp.)

• Flower Color: White, pink, purple

• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer

• Description: Rockrose is a fast-growing shrub that thrives in dry conditions. It produces paper-like flowers and requires very little water once established. Its tolerance to poor soils makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

  
  

  Here is an image of a Rockrose plant with its characteristic white and pink paper-like flowers.

  

8. Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus)

• Flower Color: Blue, white

• Bloom Time: Summer

• Description: Agapanthus is known for its tall stalks topped with clusters of showy flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it a stunning addition to borders or as a focal point in the landscape.

  
  

  Here is an image of the Agapanthus plant, showcasing its tall stalks topped with clusters of blue and white flowers.

  

9. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

• Flower Color: Red, pink, purple, blue, white

• Bloom Time: Spring through summer

• Description: Penstemon is a low-water perennial that produces tubular flowers attractive to hummingbirds. It grows well in full sun and is perfect for adding splashes of color to a dry garden.

  
  

  Here is an image of Penstemon, showcasing its tubular flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, and blue.

  

10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Flower Color: Yellow, pink, white, red

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

• Description: Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces flat-topped clusters of flowers. It’s excellent for wildflower gardens or mixed borders and requires very little maintenance once established.

  
  

  Here is an image of Yarrow in full bloom, showcasing its small, flat-topped flowers and feathery green foliage.

  

11. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

• Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow

• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer

• Description: Red Hot Poker is a striking, drought-tolerant plant known for its tall flower spikes. It does well in full sun and well-drained soil, adding vertical interest to the garden.

  
  

  Here is an image of Red Hot Poker in full bloom, showcasing its striking tall spikes of tubular flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

  

12. Echinacea (Coneflower)

• Flower Color: Pink, purple, white, orange

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

• Description: Echinacea is a hardy perennial known for its large, daisy-like flowers and long-lasting blooms. It attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees and thrives in hot, dry conditions.

  
  

  Here is an image of Echinacea in full bloom, featuring its bright pink petals and distinctive spiky orange cone.

  

13. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

• Flower Color: Red, yellow, orange

• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall

• Description: Blanket flowers produce bright, daisy-like blooms that tolerate poor, dry soils. Their colorful flowers make them ideal for adding long-lasting vibrancy to any landscape.

  
  

  Here is an image of Gaillardia in full bloom, showcasing its vibrant red and yellow daisy-like flowers.

  

14. Verbena

• Flower Color: Purple, pink, white, red

• Bloom Time: Spring to fall

• Description: Verbena produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. It thrives in full sun and can handle drought conditions once established.

  
  

  Here is an image of Verbena in full bloom, showcasing clusters of vibrant purple and pink flowers.

  

15. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

• Flower Color: Yellow, gold, orange

• Bloom Time: Summer

• Description: Coreopsis is known for its bright yellow flowers and long blooming season. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, sunny areas with well-drained soil.

  

16. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

• Flower Color: Lavender-blue

• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall

• Description: Russian Sage produces tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers and has silvery, aromatic foliage. It is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry climates.

  
  

  Here is an image of Russian Sage, displaying its tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery aromatic foliage.

  

17. Sedum (Stonecrop)

• Flower Color: Pink, yellow, red, white

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

• Description: Sedum is a succulent that produces clusters of star-shaped flowers. It is perfect for rock gardens or low-water landscapes and requires minimal care once established.

  
  

  Here is a collage of multiple Sedum (Stonecrop) varieties, showcasing both flowering and non-flowering plants with their thick, fleshy leaves.

  

18. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

• Flower Color: Bright red

• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

• Description: This native California plant produces bright red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It's ideal for dry, rocky soils and thrives in full sun.

  
  

  Here is an image of California Fuchsia, displaying its bright red, tubular flowers.

  

19. Helenium (Sneezeweed)

• Flower Color: Yellow, red, orange

• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

• Description: Helenium produces masses of daisy-like flowers on tall, upright stems. It tolerates drought and blooms profusely in the late summer, adding vibrant color to your garden.

  
  

  Here is an image of Helenium in full bloom. These bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red add vibrant color to any sunny, drought-tolerant landscape.

  

20. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

• Flower Color: White, pink, red, yellow

• Bloom Time: Summer

• Description: Oleander is a drought-tolerant shrub that produces clusters of showy, fragrant flowers. It is a popular choice for hedges and borders in dry, hot climates, though it is toxic if ingested.

  
  

  Here is an image of Oleander in full bloom, showcasing its pink and white flowers with slender green leaves.

  

  
  

Planting Tips for California Zone 9:

• Soil: Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially for Mediterranean-style plants like lavender and salvia.

• Mulching: Use mulch to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool during the hot summer months.

• Watering: Water these plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root systems, making them even more drought-tolerant.

These plants provide a beautiful array of colors and are well-suited to the hot, dry conditions of California’s Zone 9, making them perfect for low-maintenance, water-conscious landscaping.

--> Check out this detailed map of Plant Hardiness Zones that allows you to zoom in to your exact area, provided by the USDA.