Attract Hummingbirds with California Fuchsia

By Martina Trotta
Conservation Analyst, Santa Margarita Water District

California-friendly plant pop quiz: What is the difference between the California-friendly plants Zauschneria californica, Epilobium canum and California fuchsia? Answer: Nothing – they are all different names for the same plant!

As if binomial nomenclature (that’s “scientific naming” to the uninitiated) isn’t confusing enough, the scientific community has to go and start changing names on us! Until recently the California fuchsia – which is not part of the genus Fuchsia, just to add to the confusion – was known in botany and horticulture circles as Zauschneria. Further scientific study, however, revealed that the plant is actually part of the genus Epilobium, and so acquired the new name. And now, any of the three names are regularly applied to this brightly-flowering plant.

At least one part of the name is easy enough – California fuchsia is in fact a native of California.

Etymology aside, California fuchsia is a shrubby perennial that does well in a variety of conditions, and needs only a little water to thrive. It grows to a height of just one foot, but will spread about four feet wide. Bright orange-red tubular flowers bloom for most of the summer and sometimes into the fall against a backdrop of gray-green foliage. Hummingbirds flock to the plant, sucking up the sweet nectar and pollinating the flowers while they are at it. If the flowers go to seed, the plant will also attract birds like finches who like to snack on them.

Plant California fuchsia in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. It’s best to plant it away from walkways or heavy traffic areas, as the stems are brittle and won’t withstand wear very well. Keep that in mind when you are planting, and handle them gently.

If you are planning next year’s garden already, keep this fun, colorful flower in mind. Like most California-natives, it does the best when planted during the approaching cooler months.

Free Gardening Workshop
Want to learn about more plants that are perfect for your California-friendly garden? Join the Santa Margarita Water District Saturday, September 22, for a free Home Gardeners Workshop. The class introduces 25 common and useful drought-tolerant plants that will help you transform you water-loving garden or yard into a California-friendly, water-conserving, money-saving oasis.

The class will be held at the District headquarters in Las Flores from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Free lunch is included and space is limited, so call 949/459-6645 or e-mail martinat@smwd.com to register now.

California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
Season: Summer
Size: 1 foot tall and 4 feet wide
Color: Orange-red flowers
Water: Low
Sun: Full

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