Zauschneria

Native to hot, dry places along the west coast of North America. These sun loving Californian fuchsia give a splash of colour in that awkward August gap. All forms revel in a light, well drained soil in full sun. Leave all top growth on for the winter as this will give extra protection to the rootstock and only cut back in spring.

The former Zauschneria species are amongst epilobiums most grown in gardens. The orange-to-red long-tubular flowers from the deserts of North America are in their native home pollinated by hummingbirds. Here it is possible that hummingbird hawk-moths could get at the nectar in the intended way, but our bees have adopted the lifestyle of nectar-thieves, biting a hole in the base of the flower tube, getting what they want without doing what the plant wants: pollination. Smaller bees and flies will also visit in the 'proper' direction especially those feeding on pollen, much more exposed and acceptable than the nectar.

All Zauschneria have now been renamed under Epilobium.