Melianthus major? It's a big shrub. I've never grown it myself, but it has nice big leaves with a silvery sheen.

I have Melianthus major for many years in a very tough area on a bank between two Douglas firs, and it seems bullet proof. I often grow more from its seeds. The foliage up to about 4 feet is very attractive if you can keep it that size, it is normally 10 to 15 feet when mature. Its beauty in my opinion is in the foliage. Al

A shrub type manzanita maybe, like "Dr. Hurd". It can get big too, but has great red bark and takes little water once established.

For something smaller, Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, "Himilayan Sweet Box"
It will need more watering, but only a moderate amount. It stays around 3'-4' tall and is easy to grow.

This post was edited by BarbJP on Tue, Dec 30, 14 at 18:31

Most aren't silver but I've had great success with various berberis cultivars in the dry shade of my oaks. Repens, nevinii, Ken Hartmann and Golden Abundance have all performed well with no supplemental water. And in the middle of the summer they still look green, which is a plus for people who dislike the dead look that some natives have in hibernation. Nevinii does have a gray/silver cast to it so that might be one to look at.

Thankyou!!! I found one!
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1296

do understand.. that whether or not a plant can handle drought.. WHEN FULLY ESTABLISHED ...

has little bearing on it.. as a new transplant ...

so keep it properly watered for this entire year ...

see link for planting guide ... especially in regard to your clay.. as well as watering ...

there is also a shrub forum ... where you might find other shrub nuts ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Clivias are a standard low-care suggestion for dry shade in So. Cal.

Keep in mind that plants with silvery foliage are best in sun--they evolved with silvery foliage in the first place to handle bright, hot sun.