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Epilobium canum (Z)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

California fuchsia

A spreading semi-evergreen shrub to 30cm tall, with small grey-green leaves and fuchsia-like, tubular red flowers 4cm long in late summer and early autumn

Other common names
hummingbird's trumpet
Californian fuchsia
Synonyms
Zauschneria californica subsp. angustifolia
Zauschneria californica subsp. cana
see moreZauschneria californica
Zauschneria californica var. villosa
Epilobium californicum misapplied
Epilobium canum subsp. angustifolium
Zauschneria microphylla
Epilobium canum subsp. mexicanum
Epilobium microphyllum
Zauschneria cana
Zauschneria cana villosa
Zauschneria californica subsp. mexicana
Zauschneria villosa
Epilobium villosum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Orange Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red Orange Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Epilobium can be annuals or perennials, sometimes invasive, with erect stems bearing willowy leaves and showy, 4-petalled flowers in terminal racemes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Central USA to N Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in sheltered, well-drained beds, especially raised beds and in walls, where there is full sun all day

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning not normally needed, cut back to rootstock in spring to renovate

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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