One of the few California native plants that blooms at the height of summer, California Fuchsia’s glowing, coral-red flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and a late-season nectar source for Carpenter and honey bees. Flowers bloom continuously on wands of silvery, grey-green foliage from late summer into fall. Having a naturally sprawling form, Zauschneria will look better and flop less if cut back hard once a year after blooming. Looks and flowers best when planted in full sun. Needs occasional summer water when first planted and little to no summer water once well-established. May re-seed in the garden, but seedlings can be variable in foliage and flower color. Good for hot, dry areas along pavement and in containers. Really a must have for any native or bird attracting habitat garden. The species can vary widely in size, foliage, and flower color. Numerous horticultural selections have been introduced to the market that highlight either a particular flower color, foliage color, or growth habit. Some of the more popular varieties are Catalina (grey leaf and large plant), Everett’s Choice (low growing larger leaf), and Sierra Salmon (more salmon colored flowers). There has been quite a bit of confusion regarding the taxonomic treatment of this group over the years. Although the plant is now classified as Epilobium, we continue to use the older name Zauschneria since it is still the more commonly used and prominent name in the nursery industry. Further, we still distinguish Zauschneria californica and Zauschneria cana for their horticultural uniqueness although they are now taxonomically clumped.
- Common Name:
- California Fuchsia
- Mature Height:
- 1-2'
- Mature Spread:
- 2-4'
- Exposure:
- Sun/Part Sun
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- Orange-Red
- Soil:
- Well drained best
- Foliage Color:
- Grey/Green
- Flower Time:
- Late Summer-Fall
