perennialN. America Native

California Fuchsia

The Story

Plant Bio

Epilobium canum is a woody-based perennial native to western North America, highly valued for its ability to thrive in dry, rocky soils. It spreads via underground rhizomes to form a low, mounding groundcover or upright subshrub that stands up to intense summer heat.

This species is distinguished by its narrow, silvery-gray foliage covered in fine hairs and its profusion of bright red, tubular flowers. The floral display begins in midsummer and continues through fall, providing a critical late-season food source for migrating hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a late-season burst of bright red flowers against striking, silvery-gray foliage.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on dry slopes and banks due to its spreading rhizomatous root system.

Serves as a vital nectar source for migrating hummingbirds and native bees during late summer and fall.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, sharp drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil and water sparingly until established.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire plant back close to the ground in late winter or early spring to prevent the center from becoming woody and sparse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the plant back hard annually in late winter to stimulate fresh growth.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Grow in full sun to maximize flower production.

Don't

Do not overwater during the summer once the plant is established.
Do not apply heavy organic compost or high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Do not prune heavily during the first year of establishment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensErosion control on dry slopesNative pollinator gardensDrought-tolerant borders

Companion Plants

Salvia apiana Artemisia californica Eriogonum fasciculatum Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

California Fuchsia questions

What zones can California Fuchsia grow in?

California Fuchsia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is California Fuchsia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse California Fuchsia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does California Fuchsia bloom?

California Fuchsia typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does California Fuchsia need full sun?

California Fuchsia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is California Fuchsia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), California Fuchsia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.