California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
Also listed as Zauschneria cana
Also known as Hummingbird Trumpet
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub with tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds in late summer and fall. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor soils with minimal water.
Why grow it
California fuchsia offers reliable late-season color when many native shrubs have finished blooming, making it valuable for extending the hummingbird season into fall. Compared to other drought-tolerant ornamentals, it requires genuinely minimal supplemental water once established and performs in rocky or nutrient-poor soils where many alternatives struggle. Its compact size and modest water needs make it practical for water-limited regions or rock gardens where traditional fuchsias would fail.
Watch out for
This plant can take a full season or more to establish a deep root system, so consistent moisture during the first year supports better establishment than assuming immediate drought tolerance. In cooler climates at the edge of its hardiness range, situating it against a south-facing wall or in afternoon sun helps it harden properly before winter. Container-grown specimens may need occasional deep watering during hot spells even after establishment, particularly in inland valleys with intense heat.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub with tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds in late summer and fall. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor soils with minimal water.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Fuchsia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California fuchsia offers reliable late-season color when many native shrubs have finished blooming, making it valuable for extending the hummingbird season into fall. Compared to other drought-tolerant ornamentals, it requires genuinely minimal supplemental water once established and performs in rocky or nutrient-poor soils where many alternatives struggle. Its compact size and modest water needs make it practical for water-limited regions or rock gardens where traditional fuchsias would fail.
Watch out for
This plant can take a full season or more to establish a deep root system, so consistent moisture during the first year supports better establishment than assuming immediate drought tolerance. In cooler climates at the edge of its hardiness range, situating it against a south-facing wall or in afternoon sun helps it harden properly before winter. Container-grown specimens may need occasional deep watering during hot spells even after establishment, particularly in inland valleys with intense heat.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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