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I took a lot of chances on planting California native plants slightly out of their natural range.  Most of them didn’t make it. One of the successes, among my favorites, was California fuchsia (Epilobium canun).

I planted mine where the foundation of my home, sidewalks, driveway and road function somewhat like rock outcrops.  Large blocks of cement help protect soil moisture from evaporation during summer months.  My California fuchsias got watered once a month during the summer in most, but not all locations.  For desert gardeners, I recommend either planting adjacent to hardscape  (cement, asphalt, tile, pavers, etc.) or using heavy rock mulch.  Addition of organic matter to soil is a good idea, but may not be necessary.

In addition to providing fall color in unirrigated or lightly irrigated areas of my yard, California fuchsia or Hummingbird trumpet, attracts humming birds and bees to the flower bed just outside my living room windows.  Makes for great bird watching and cat entertaining.  Now that I know California fuschsia will perform well in High Desert gardens, I hope to get more of them. Hmm…. should really pop next to rabbit bush which turns vibrant golden yellow in the fall.

Additional Information

California Fuchsia | Epilobium canum.  Calscape.org. California Native Plant Society. Accessed November 11, 2016.