Red Buckwheat
Eriogonum grande var. rubescens
Also listed as Eriogonum grande subsp. rubescens, Eriogonum grande var. dunklei
Also known as Large Red Buckwheat, Red-flowered Buckwheat, Redflower Buckwheat
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub with small gray-green leaves and showy red to pink flower clusters that attract pollinators. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
Why grow it
Red buckwheat offers reliable summer and fall color in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle. Compared to other California native buckwheats, this variety produces particularly showy flower displays while maintaining the genus's exceptional drought tolerance and minimal fertilizer requirements. It performs well in lean, well-draining soils where cultivated ornamentals often decline.
Watch out for
Overwatering and heavy clay soils can lead to root issues, particularly in humid climates or during establishment if irrigation schedules are not carefully moderated. This plant benefits from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain compact form, though it responds slowly to severe cutting back compared to some cultivated shrubs.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub with small gray-green leaves and showy red to pink flower clusters that attract pollinators. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Buckwheat grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red buckwheat offers reliable summer and fall color in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle. Compared to other California native buckwheats, this variety produces particularly showy flower displays while maintaining the genus's exceptional drought tolerance and minimal fertilizer requirements. It performs well in lean, well-draining soils where cultivated ornamentals often decline.
Watch out for
Overwatering and heavy clay soils can lead to root issues, particularly in humid climates or during establishment if irrigation schedules are not carefully moderated. This plant benefits from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain compact form, though it responds slowly to severe cutting back compared to some cultivated shrubs.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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