Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
California Fuchsia
California native producing tubular red-orange flowers in late summer and fall; cultivar forms range from groundcovers to upright clumps.
Epilobium canum (syn. Zauschneria californica) · Rhizomatous perennial/subshrub
Profile
- Light
- Sun; some afternoon protection in hot inland sites
- Flowering
- Late-season nectar for hummingbirds
- Maintenance
- Cut back after flowering when growth is dormant
- Spread
- Spreads by underground stems; allow space
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; depends on soil texture
- Salinity tolerance
- Not reliably characterized for this catalog label; avoid saline irrigation and diagnose with soil/water testing.
- Drought tolerance
- Good after establishment; occasional water can support flowering.
Optimal root measurement depth
3–8 in
Shallow fibrous or rhizomatous roots. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.
Use occasional deep summer irrigation rather than constant moisture; keep crown well drained.
Problems to watch
- Root rot in saturated soil
- Aphids on new shoots
- Unwanted rhizome spread
Stress signs
- Wilt that persists after cool nights
- Basal blackening
- Scorched leaf margins beyond normal seasonal dieback
Where you'll find it
- Hummingbird gardens
- Low-water borders
More plants, natives & crops
California BuckwheatCalifornia Lilac (Ceanothus)California PoppyCalifornia SagebrushCalifornia Wild GrapeCalifornia Wild Rose
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.