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California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Out of stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Part Shade

2-4'x3-5'

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Red

June-December

Plants tend to get straggly after flowering by late fall or early winter. If it does not die back and go dormant on it's own, it is best to cut them back to the ground as soon as the flowers are spent, and they'll come back back lush and healthy in the spring. Otherwise, they'll look straggly and unhealthy the next year, and are more likely to die.

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

A hummingbird magnet, somewhat shrubby green plant, often many branched with brilliant red or orange, trumpet-shaped flowers blooming in profusion near ends, commonly oriented in the same direction.
Other common names include California-fuchsia (from the resemblance of the flowers to those of Fuchsias), Hummingbird Flower, and Hummingbird Trumpet (the flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds). There's probably no better California native plant for attracting hummingbirds.
California Fuchsia is easy to grow. It does best and will flower most profusely in full sun. Epilobium canum is found by seasonal creeks, seeps and springs in the low desert so it does require supplemental irrigation in the summer months especially. Plants tend to get straggly after flowering by late fall or early winter. If it does not die back and go dormant on it's own, it is best to cut them back to the ground as soon as the flowers are spent, and they'll come back back lush and healthy in the spring. Otherwise, they'll look straggly and unhealthy the next year, and are more likely to die. This plant will readily self-seed, so once you get this species established, it will usually start springing up around your garden. It also spreads by rhizomes.
This plant is on several fire resistant plant lists.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.