zauschneria
( zawsh - neh - REE - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called California Fuchsia, Hummingbird's Trumpet or Hummingbird Flower, this genus of shrubby perennials needs full sun and little to moderate water. As the common name suggests, these flowers will attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies to your garden. They are commonly low, spreading plants with grey-green to green leaves and a profuse bloom of bright orange to scarlet flowers in summer and fall. These plants are wonderful in informal gardens, among stones, and can also be used to stabilize sliding hillsides and banks.
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Zauschneria Species and Varietals
The genus Zauschneria was recently merged in with the genus Epilobum (alternative names for species are listed below). Hummingbird Flower grows well in zones 2-11 and 14-24, though this varies somewhat; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Zauschneria californica (Epilobum canum) (Hummingbird Trumpet, California Fuchsia) This species is native to the western United States and northern areas of Mexico. It has an upright, arching growth to 6 inches to 4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. Flowers are orange, red and sometimes white (depending on the variety grown). Varieties include 'Summer Snow' (with white flowers) and 'Ghostly Red' (with red flowers and grey foliage). |
Zauschneria septentrionalis (Epilobium septentrionale) (Humboldt County Fuchsia) This species grows well in zones 5-7, 14-17, and 19-24, and is native to the Northern California Coastal Mountain Ranges. It forms a mat 6-12 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide, with grey-green leaves. This species needs afternoon shade in warmer climates. |
Caring for and pruning Zauschneria shrubs
Plant Hummingbird Flower in full sun; they should be getting at least 6 hours of direct sun every day. In warmer climates, these shrubs can benefit from some afternoon shade. Ensure that soil is well-draining; these shrubs love sandy, loamy soil. Hummingbird Flower needs a soil pH of between 6.8 and 7.2. Although drought tolerant when mature, these shrubs do need regular waterings while getting established. When established, provide water after the soil has dried out. Overwatering is a big problem with these plants, and can lead to root rot. After planting, apply mulch in the area to protect roots. These are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in springtime to support the year's growth and flowering. After flowering ceases, prune to clean up the plant and remove dead flower heads.
Propagation
Zauschneria can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Caesalpinia, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Zauschneria by Cutting
Propagating Zauschneria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Zauschneria by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch softwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Zauschneria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the tuber roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.
Problems and Pests
These shrubs are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, though they can have issues with the following:
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
Gallery
Videos
Learn all about California Fuchsia plants.
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Claifornia Fuchsia in all its glory.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 659, Zauschneria (California Fuchsia, Hummingbird Flower)
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