12 Fire-Wise Plants to Help Protect Your Home and Garden
Plant these moisture-rich, fire-resistant plants in your landscape to help prevent fire spread
What plants you choose, where you plant them and how you maintain them can help minimize risk as part of a larger fire-safety strategy for your home and landscape. While there’s no entirely fireproof plant, plants with a high water content that are slow to ignite can help slow the spread of fire through a landscape.
To get started, take a look at 12 top choices for fire-wise plants, ranging from water-rich succulents to low-risk trees and shrubs. While this list is far from exhaustive, all plants require low to moderate water, making them climate-appropriate for many high-fire-risk areas. It’s also recommended to consult with your county fire department for specific guidelines on planting for your region.
To get started, take a look at 12 top choices for fire-wise plants, ranging from water-rich succulents to low-risk trees and shrubs. While this list is far from exhaustive, all plants require low to moderate water, making them climate-appropriate for many high-fire-risk areas. It’s also recommended to consult with your county fire department for specific guidelines on planting for your region.
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12 Fire-Wise Plants
1. Aeonium
(Aeonium spp.)
With their succulent, water-rich leaves, aeonium are fire-resistant landscape plants that look gorgeous in combination with other succulents. Try them in mass plantings with low-growing senecio, or use them as focal points in low-water container plantings. Most thrive in areas with bright, indirect light, rather than full sun; in coastal areas they can take full sun. Many aeonium are native to the Canary Islands.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species (generally they grow in USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal conditions; filtered light or partial shade inland
Learn more about growing aeonium
1. Aeonium
(Aeonium spp.)
With their succulent, water-rich leaves, aeonium are fire-resistant landscape plants that look gorgeous in combination with other succulents. Try them in mass plantings with low-growing senecio, or use them as focal points in low-water container plantings. Most thrive in areas with bright, indirect light, rather than full sun; in coastal areas they can take full sun. Many aeonium are native to the Canary Islands.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species (generally they grow in USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal conditions; filtered light or partial shade inland
Learn more about growing aeonium
2. Senecio
(Senecio spp.)
Often called blue chalk sticks for its chalk-like appearance, this juicy succulent from South Africa is fire-resistant and low-water. S. mandraliscae grows to about 1 to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 feet wide, while S. serpens has more compact leaves and stays slightly smaller. Senecio has versatile landscape uses: ground cover over a large area, a container plant, a slope stabilizer or planted to fill in under and around other larger succulents or low-water plants.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun; partial shade in desert regions
See how to grow blue chalk sticks
(Senecio spp.)
Often called blue chalk sticks for its chalk-like appearance, this juicy succulent from South Africa is fire-resistant and low-water. S. mandraliscae grows to about 1 to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 feet wide, while S. serpens has more compact leaves and stays slightly smaller. Senecio has versatile landscape uses: ground cover over a large area, a container plant, a slope stabilizer or planted to fill in under and around other larger succulents or low-water plants.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun; partial shade in desert regions
See how to grow blue chalk sticks
3. Agave
(Agave spp.)
Agave of all shapes and sizes are slow to ignite, thanks to their water-loaded leaves. Use them in combination with other fire-wise plants or let them stand alone against a wall as dramatic focal points. Top varieties include spine-free foxtail agave (A. attenuata, pictured), dense, rosette-forming artichoke agave (A. parryi var. truncata), and bold ‘Blue Glow’ agave (A. ‘Blue Glow’). Foxtail agave are more cold-sensitive than other varieties.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies widely by species; generally they grow in zones 8 to 12
Water requirement: Low; a few species need moderate water
Light requirement: Full sun is best for most; some require partial shade
Learn more about adding agave to your yard
(Agave spp.)
Agave of all shapes and sizes are slow to ignite, thanks to their water-loaded leaves. Use them in combination with other fire-wise plants or let them stand alone against a wall as dramatic focal points. Top varieties include spine-free foxtail agave (A. attenuata, pictured), dense, rosette-forming artichoke agave (A. parryi var. truncata), and bold ‘Blue Glow’ agave (A. ‘Blue Glow’). Foxtail agave are more cold-sensitive than other varieties.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies widely by species; generally they grow in zones 8 to 12
Water requirement: Low; a few species need moderate water
Light requirement: Full sun is best for most; some require partial shade
Learn more about adding agave to your yard
4. Beach Strawberry
(Fragaria chiloensis)
This low-growing ground cover native to the dunes of the Pacific Coast makes an excellent water-wise and fire-smart landscaping plant. Beach strawberries spread by runners, so plant them where you would like them to spread — such as on a bare slope or as a walkable ground cover in place of a lawn. The plants set few berries (although they are edible) and are mainly grown for their glossy dark green leaves, which turn bronze in winter, and white flowers in spring.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun
(Fragaria chiloensis)
This low-growing ground cover native to the dunes of the Pacific Coast makes an excellent water-wise and fire-smart landscaping plant. Beach strawberries spread by runners, so plant them where you would like them to spread — such as on a bare slope or as a walkable ground cover in place of a lawn. The plants set few berries (although they are edible) and are mainly grown for their glossy dark green leaves, which turn bronze in winter, and white flowers in spring.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun
5. Bergenia
(Bergenia spp.)
The large, paddle-like leaves of bergenia are moderately fire-resistant thanks to their high water content. Try them as bold border plants alongside a shaded walkway or planted as a ground cover under trees. They grow best in partial to full shade, adding a lush, almost tropical look with their large-scale leaves. Bergenia are native to China, Russia and the Himalayas; B. cordifolia is cold-tolerant down to Zone 3.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
(Bergenia spp.)
The large, paddle-like leaves of bergenia are moderately fire-resistant thanks to their high water content. Try them as bold border plants alongside a shaded walkway or planted as a ground cover under trees. They grow best in partial to full shade, adding a lush, almost tropical look with their large-scale leaves. Bergenia are native to China, Russia and the Himalayas; B. cordifolia is cold-tolerant down to Zone 3.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
6. Catalina Cherry
(Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii)
Native to the Channel Islands of California, Catalina Cherry is considered a fire-smart tree or hedge plant. Its leaves are dark, glossy green, and the plants produce white flowers followed by large-pitted red-black edible cherries. Grown as a tree, plants can reach 45 feet tall and 30 feet wide but can be kept more compact in gardens or maintained as a hedge 8 to 12 feet tall.
Follow best practices for fire-safe landscaping by keeping trees away from buildings and cutting away any dead wood. Also try closely related Holly Leaf Cherry (P. i. ilicifolia) for decorative, spiny-edged leaves.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Part to full sun
(Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii)
Native to the Channel Islands of California, Catalina Cherry is considered a fire-smart tree or hedge plant. Its leaves are dark, glossy green, and the plants produce white flowers followed by large-pitted red-black edible cherries. Grown as a tree, plants can reach 45 feet tall and 30 feet wide but can be kept more compact in gardens or maintained as a hedge 8 to 12 feet tall.
Follow best practices for fire-safe landscaping by keeping trees away from buildings and cutting away any dead wood. Also try closely related Holly Leaf Cherry (P. i. ilicifolia) for decorative, spiny-edged leaves.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 10)
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Part to full sun
7. Ice Plant
(Delosperma spp.)
The small, cylindrical leaves of South African-native ice plant are rich in water, making the plant another fire-smart, drought-tolerant option for landscapes. Plant as a low-growing ground cover or filler around pavers. Purple blooms are most common; for white flowers look for D. ‘Alba’.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun; light shade in hottest climates
(Delosperma spp.)
The small, cylindrical leaves of South African-native ice plant are rich in water, making the plant another fire-smart, drought-tolerant option for landscapes. Plant as a low-growing ground cover or filler around pavers. Purple blooms are most common; for white flowers look for D. ‘Alba’.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun; light shade in hottest climates
8. Lamb’s Ears
(Stachys byzantina)
Native to Turkey and Iran, lamb’s ears forms clumps of fuzzy, silvery leaves 1½ feet tall and 3 feet wide. Plant along borders, in mixed perennial beds and as pathway edgers. This relatively low-growing plant is considered fire-wise if maintained properly. Divide mounds in early spring and routinely clean up dead undergrowth.
Caution: Lamb’s ears can be an aggressive spreader and can become invasive in some areas.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9); may not tolerate summers that are very hot and humid
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Part sun to full sun
Learn how to grow lamb’s ears
(Stachys byzantina)
Native to Turkey and Iran, lamb’s ears forms clumps of fuzzy, silvery leaves 1½ feet tall and 3 feet wide. Plant along borders, in mixed perennial beds and as pathway edgers. This relatively low-growing plant is considered fire-wise if maintained properly. Divide mounds in early spring and routinely clean up dead undergrowth.
Caution: Lamb’s ears can be an aggressive spreader and can become invasive in some areas.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9); may not tolerate summers that are very hot and humid
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Part sun to full sun
Learn how to grow lamb’s ears
9. Lavender
(Lavandula spp.)
Fragrant lavender is a gorgeous low-water, fire-wise choice for garden borders and containers — and pollinator-friendly to boot. Although the leaves of the plant are rich in oil, they are slow to ignite, as long as plants receive consistent water. Watch out for plants that show signs of die-back or have gotten woody. These should be cut back or removed to keep the landscape fire safe.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are between zones 5 and 9
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun
Discover more about growing lavender
(Lavandula spp.)
Fragrant lavender is a gorgeous low-water, fire-wise choice for garden borders and containers — and pollinator-friendly to boot. Although the leaves of the plant are rich in oil, they are slow to ignite, as long as plants receive consistent water. Watch out for plants that show signs of die-back or have gotten woody. These should be cut back or removed to keep the landscape fire safe.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many are between zones 5 and 9
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Part to full sun
Discover more about growing lavender
10. Lily of the Nile
(Agapanthus spp. )
With dramatic bloom spikes held on 1½- to 3-foot-tall stems, this easy-care perennial is stunning when planted in borders, as a foundation plant or massed along a driveway. Strappy, moisture-filled leaves and stems are slow to ignite, making agapanthus a fire-wise choice. Choose among many agapanthus cultivars, with blooms ranging from white to purple and pink and a variety of plant sizes. Plants are native to South Africa and attract pollinators.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 15 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 11)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
(Agapanthus spp. )
With dramatic bloom spikes held on 1½- to 3-foot-tall stems, this easy-care perennial is stunning when planted in borders, as a foundation plant or massed along a driveway. Strappy, moisture-filled leaves and stems are slow to ignite, making agapanthus a fire-wise choice. Choose among many agapanthus cultivars, with blooms ranging from white to purple and pink and a variety of plant sizes. Plants are native to South Africa and attract pollinators.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 15 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 11)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Paddle plant surrounded by low-growing senecio
11. Paddle Plant
(Kalanchoe luciae)
With its chunky, paddle-like leaves filled with water, paddle plant makes a dramatic addition to fire-smart landscapes. Use it as a focal point plant, surrounded with low-water ground covers, where its unusual form can stand out. The leaves turn reddish with more exposure to sun.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal conditions; filtered light or partial shade inland
11. Paddle Plant
(Kalanchoe luciae)
With its chunky, paddle-like leaves filled with water, paddle plant makes a dramatic addition to fire-smart landscapes. Use it as a focal point plant, surrounded with low-water ground covers, where its unusual form can stand out. The leaves turn reddish with more exposure to sun.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun in coastal conditions; filtered light or partial shade inland
12. Western Redbud
(Cercis occidentalis syn. Cercis orbiculata)
This water-wise small tree is native to California, Utah and Arizona. Due to its naturally compact size and beautiful leaves, western redbud makes an attractive accent plant in home gardens. The leaves are heart-shaped and bright chartreuse, and it produces pink, pea-like flowers in springtime while branches are bare. Western redbud is a fire-smart choice and well-adapted to arid regions. Trees reach 10 to 18 feet tall and wide but can be kept smaller with pruning.
Where it will grow: Young plants are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius; mature plants are hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full to part sun
Learn more about growing western redbud
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(Cercis occidentalis syn. Cercis orbiculata)
This water-wise small tree is native to California, Utah and Arizona. Due to its naturally compact size and beautiful leaves, western redbud makes an attractive accent plant in home gardens. The leaves are heart-shaped and bright chartreuse, and it produces pink, pea-like flowers in springtime while branches are bare. Western redbud is a fire-smart choice and well-adapted to arid regions. Trees reach 10 to 18 feet tall and wide but can be kept smaller with pruning.
Where it will grow: Young plants are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius; mature plants are hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate; low once established
Light requirement: Full to part sun
Learn more about growing western redbud
More on Houzz
Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe
Find pros to help you design and install a fire-wise landscape
Shop for lawn and garden products
Garden maintenance — including removing dead plants and keeping branches, woody perennials and dry grasses trimmed — also plays a role in keeping a landscape safe. Additionally, planting in fire-safe zones around a house can help reduce the risk of fire jumping from the landscape to a building, as can widely spacing plants.
Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe