Out in the Garden - California Fushia

While many species are going dormant, some of my favorite flowers in the garden herald the arrival of early fall: Epilobium canum, or California fuchsia. The flowers on this prolific bloomer glow in the morning sun as they stream over rocks on the Rock Garden wall overlooking the East Terrace. This species features bright scarlet flowers that stand out from cool gray-green leaves. Nearby to the east, several specimens of the Epilobium cultivar ‘Woody’s Peach Surprise’ offer soft contrast with pink flowers and pastel-green leaves. Both bloom all the way from August to as late as mid-October.

E. canum can play an important role in keeping pollinators nourished during a time of year when their options are dwindling. With tubular flowers and vivid flowers in warm colors, this species is especially well-suited to the slender beaks and color sensitivities of hummingbirds. While red flowers are most famously attractive to hummingbirds, pink shades like those of cultivars like ‘Woody’s Peach Surprise’ are also among the colors that they associate with good sources of nectar.

Native to arid shrubland hillsides in western and southwestern states, E. canum is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun, making it a waterwise plant choice in our climate and great candidate for hot, dry areas in home gardens. It spreads by rhizomes and creates a lush, low-maintenance groundcover. Right after the plant finishes flowering or before new growth in early spring, E. canum can be cut down to the ground and will revive with vigor.

Images: Sam Mularz