Zauschneria californica

A soft, grey, sub-shrub from the South West United States, where, as here, it is exceptional for flowering during the heat and drought of summer and autumn. When tubular, scarlet flowers adorn the plant profusely and are much loved by hummingbirds, or honey-eaters in our case. Good drainage is preferred, though heavy soils may be tolerated briefly. An occasional drink over summer will encourage flowering but is not necessary, too much and you will permanently prevent flowering and life. Probably a strictly west cost plant, it may be worth trying in the eastern states with impeccable drainage, full exposure and no irrigation, though I suspect success would be only temporary. Cut back to ground level during winter when new growth is seen at the base otherwise it tends to become untidy by flowering time. Given bare soil seedlings can appear and transplant readily. Seedlings may differ from their parents with leaves that can be silver to sage green and with flowers varying in their depth of colour. These variations can be seen in the nursery and all are lovely, in time separate clones may be selected based on arbitrary and distinct qualities.

This attractive herbaceous perennial grows 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. In the garden it is well-suited in containers, rock gardens, informal gardens, and cascading down rock walls. It is particularly stunning when planted on a rocky slope nestled between boulders. A terrific hummingbird plant, California fuschia blooms during the warmest part of the year, August to October, to coincide with the south migration of hummingbirds. Prune to the ground annually and as needed for best appearance. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. The late blooming flower on this plant makes it a very important food source for migrating hummingbirds as well as bees and wasps. Commonly grown in the horticultural trade, this highly variable plant has produced innumerable cultivars. Found in slopes and ridges. Communitites located in Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Yellow Pine, Red Fir, Lodgepole, Subalpine Forest Between 0 and 10000 feet .

Brilliant orange-red-scarlet trumpets on 1-3' stalks (more upright than the higher elevation Z.calif.latifolia) of grey-green foliage are a sight to behold in late summer on this amazing western wildflower. S/D/GdDrainage

Hummingbird plant. Spectacular tight mound of silver foliage covered with scarlet trumpet-shaped flowers. Place this groundcover at the front of garden, skirting taller plantings.

Not requiring the perfect drainage of many of the named varieties, our head propagator Anni Jensen collected the seed for this handsome species from her own backyard plants. Requiring no Summer water & highly attractive to hummingbirds, this western U.S. native will reach about 30” tall. In late Summer & Fall, when so few natives are looking their best, this prolific bloomer fires up the garden with its amazing flare of scarlet red 1.5” trumpets. Cut to the ground after bloom for best appearance each year. Will spread by roots, so do allow room or keep it contained in a parking strip or large pot. Deer resistant.