Water Wise Wednesday: Coachella Valley Water District Highlights Star Flower as February’s Desert-Friendly Plant

Water Wise Wednesday is back with another desert-friendly gardening tip, brought to you by Coachella Valley Water District.

This month’s featured plant is the star flower — a vibrant, low-water option that adds color while supporting pollinators in the Coachella Valley.

Lorraine Garcia, communications manager with the Coachella Valley Water District, says the star flower grows to about three feet by three feet and thrives in full sun, making it a great fit for local landscapes. While the individual blooms are small, they grow in clusters up to four inches wide, creating a noticeable pop of color in gardens.

The star flower lives up to its name with delicate, star-shaped blooms that come in a variety of shades, including red, lilac, pink, and white. Garcia says the plant is versatile enough to enjoy outdoors or indoors, since the flowers also work well as cut arrangements.

Beyond its appearance, the star flower offers environmental benefits. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, helping support local pollinators while remaining water efficient — an important consideration for desert communities.

Water Wise Wednesday aims to highlight practical ways residents can conserve water while still enjoying beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Featuring plants like the star flower helps homeowners and renters alike make smarter landscaping choices that align with desert living.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.