California Fuchsia Epilobium canum 'Ed Carman' (Z)
ABOUT
Epilobium canum 'Ed Carman', commonly known as California fuchsia, is a striking ornamental plant favored for its vibrant display and low-maintenance nature. The plant is adorned with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that emanate a lively green hue. These foliage elements are typically arranged in a dense, robust manner along the plant's stems. The most eye-catching aspect of California fuchsia is its flowers—vivid, tubular blossoms with a fiery red-orange color that radiates from the plant, providing a warm, inviting spectacle. The flowers, which bloom in abundance, have a slightly flared mouth, giving them a distinctive, funnel-like appearance that is particularly appealing to hummingbirds. The overall impression of California fuchsia 'Ed Carman' is that of a lush, colorful, and hardy plant with a profusion of bright blooms, making it an attractive addition to any garden setting where a display of its intense coloration is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
California Fuchsia, Hummingbird Flower, Zauschneria, Firechaser.
Common names
Epilobium canum, Zauschneria californica 'Ed Carman', Zauschneria cana 'Ed Carman'.
ToxicityTo humans
California Fuchsia is not known to be toxic to humans. Most members of the Epilobium genus are considered non-toxic, and there are no commonly reported adverse effects from ingesting this plant.
To pets
California Fuchsia is not known to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, there is no widely reported toxicity in animals, such as dogs or cats, from ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Epilobium canum 'Ed Carman' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is very drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Fast Growing: It grows quickly to fill in areas, providing a splash of color in a short period of time.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, minimizing damage in areas with deer populations.
- Fire-Resistant Foliage: This species is considered to have fire-resistant properties, which can be beneficial in fire-prone areas.
- California Native: Being native to California, it is well-adapted to local climates and supports regional ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hummingbird attraction: California fuchsia is highly attractive to hummingbirds due to its bright red, tubular flowers, making it a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden or as part of a hummingbird feeding station.
- Butterfly garden plant: Aside from hummingbirds, it also attracts butterflies, hence it can be included in butterfly gardens to provide nectar for various butterfly species.
- Dye plant: The bright flowers and leaves of the California fuchsia can potentially be used to make natural dyes for coloring fabrics or crafts.
- Erosion control: It can be used on slopes and banks for erosion control due to its spreading habit and drought tolerance, helping to stabilize the soil.
- Xeriscaping: As a drought-tolerant plant, it is ideal for xeriscapes or low-water gardens, helping gardeners reduce the need for supplementary watering.
- Visual interest in rock gardens: Its low-growing, sprawling nature suits rock gardens well, where it adds splashes of vivid color among the stones.
- Landscape filler: California fuchsia can be used to fill in gaps in a landscape, providing ground cover that reduces weed growth.
- Fire-resistant landscaping: The plant is considered to be fire resistant, making it a suitable addition for firewise garden planning in fire-prone regions.
- Educational tool: It can serve as an educational tool in schools or community gardens to teach about native plants and their role in supporting local wildlife.
- Frost indicator: Because it can suffer from early frosts, the plant can be used as a natural indicator of temperature dips in a garden setting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant California Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant California Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Epilobium canum, commonly known as California Fuchsia, is a perennial shrub that rejuvenates each year after lying dormant, symbolizing new beginnings and rebirth.
- Resilience: As a plant native to arid regions, California Fuchsia represents the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, suggesting toughness and perseverance.
- Attraction: The vivid red flowers of California Fuchsia are known to attract hummingbirds, symbolizing allure and the ability to draw in what one desires.
- Healing: In some traditions, California Fuchsia is associated with medicinal uses, representing healing and the soothing of physical or emotional pain.
WaterCalifornia Fuchsia should be watered deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water every week during the active growing season. It is crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. In well-draining soil, you might water with approximately 0.5 gallons per square foot every seven to ten days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During the winter or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency significantly and provide only enough to keep the plant from completely drying out.
LightCalifornia Fuchsia thrives in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area where it gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Areas that provide partial shade can also be suitable, but blooming may be less prolific.
TemperatureCalifornia Fuchsia prefers a temperature range between 50°F to 85°F but can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F for short durations. The ideal conditions are warm and dry, typical of its native southwestern habitat. Extreme cold or frost can be detrimental, so providing some protection or moving it to a sheltered spot might be necessary if temperatures frequently drop below the tolerance level.
PruningPruning California Fuchsia is essential to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth and more blooms. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth by about one-third to promote fresh, healthy stems and a compact form. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can also stimulate additional blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalifornia Fuchsia (Epilobium canum 'Ed Carman') thrives best in well-draining soil, with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCalifornia Fuchsia is typically repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth. Check the root system annually and repot if roots have become compacted or pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingCalifornia Fuchsia prefers low to moderate humidity, typical of its native Mediterranean climate. It is well-adapted to dry air conditions and does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For healthy growth indoors, ensure bright light and air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spots, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleCalifornia fuchsia 'Ed Carman' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in late winter to early spring, depending on climate conditions. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a young plant, developing a root system and foliage throughout spring. During summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant red-orange tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. After pollination, typically by hummingbirds or bees, the plant sets seed in late summer to fall. The seeds are dispersed as the dry seed pods open, ensuring the next generation of plants. Following seed set, the plant goes into dormancy during the winter months, with above-ground growth dying back, and then the life cycle continues as new growth emerges from the roots in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the California Fuchsia 'Ed Carman' is through cuttings, ideally taken in spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut segments about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in their permanent positions.
