Plant of the Month – October 2014
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California Fuchsia
This fall-blooming southwest native provides critical nectar for migrating hummingbirds, and brilliant color for gardeners after most others flowers are finished for the season.
Epilobium canum/Zauschneria californica
- Plant Form: Semi-evergreen Perennial
- Water Use: Low
- Mature Size: 2 feet tall & wide
- Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall (June – October)
- Native to: California, Arizona, and Baja California below 10,000 feet
- Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 10°F
California Fuchsia is an easy-to-grow, herbaceous, perennial sub-shrub with tubular orange-red flowers that are an important nectar source for hummingbirds during migration (the plant is dependent on hummingbirds for pollination). Also known as Hummingbird Trumpet, this is not a true fuchsia, despite its common name. This late-season bloomer tolerates drought, heat and wind once established, and has abundant blooms when many natives are dormant. Don’t prune during its first year or two. After that, pinch back young stems to produce a compact, well-branched plant, and cut back hard every winter after blooming is finished and before new growth appears to keep tidy, lush growth. Plant away from high traffic, as stems are brittle.Stunning when planted in masses among rocks or on slopes, in dry streambeds, or against rock walls, but equally beautiful in pots and baskets.
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