California fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Description

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The California fuchsia is a low growing perennial plant with striking summertime flowering character. It is native to many dry habitats throughout California, particularly in sage scrub and chaparral environments. Distinctive gray-green leaves are covered with fine hairs; flowers are primarily scarlet to orange-red. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer and continues into fall, which is an important season to provide nectar for hummingbirds. This is a highly popular California native plant, and while a number of cultivars are available from various nurseries, they vary from nursery to nursery and the names are sometimes confused. Plant in sunny locations on well-drained soils and provide little summer water.

Plant Type: Perennial, Native
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Spreading, Sprawling
Growth Rate: Short-lived, Fast
Foliage Color: Pale green
Flower Color: Red, Orange
Flower Season: Summer, Fall
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil
Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun
Function: Wildlife value, Rock gardens, Raised planters, Hummingbird plant, Flowering accent plant, Container plant, Borders, Small spaces
Height: 0.5 ft. – 4 ft. (in flower)
Width: 3 ft. – 3 ft. then slowly spreading

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