Description
Commonly known as:
California fuchsia, hummingbird trumpet, Zauschneria
Description of Plant:
This low-growing, herbaceous subshrub has narrow, lance-shaped gray-green leaves covered with fine hairs. The plant produces numerous tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of scarlet to orange-red, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Blooming typically occurs from late summer through fall, when few other native plants are in flower. The plant spreads via rhizomes, forming a dense groundcover over time.
Growth Habit:
Grows 1–3 feet tall and spreads 2–4 feet wide, forming a sprawling, mounding shape.
Watering Instructions:
Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. In coastal or cooler climates, it may need no supplemental water. In hotter inland areas, occasional deep watering during extended dry periods can promote continuous blooming and maintain lush foliage.
Soil Needs:
Prefers well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky types. Tolerates poor soils but does not perform well in heavy clay unless amended for drainage.
Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best suited for outdoor cultivation in gardens, borders, or containers. Not typically grown indoors due to its need for ample sunlight and space to spread.
Perennial or Annual:
Perennial in USDA zones 7–10. In colder zones, it may die back in winter but can regrow from the roots in spring.
Additional Tips:
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Prune back to the ground after flowering in late fall or early winter to encourage vigorous new growth in spring.
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Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period.
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Deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for wildlife-prone areas.
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Excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks.
