Information on gardening with Hummingbird Trumpet (Epilobium canum), a Western U.S. native perennial.

1. Hummingbird Trumpet – Epilobium canum (Zauschneria californica)
(Ep-i-LOBE-ee-um CAN (or KANE)-um)
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)
Native to: Western U.S. from WY to Baja CA.; not in CO. Dry areas, rocky slopes & cliffs, chaparral.
Growth characteristics: perennial herb/sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft mature width: to 4 ft.
Mounding sub-shrub with many semi-woody stems. Drought- and winter-deciduous. Rapid growing,
spreading by underground stems. Extremely variable growth patterns; more bush-like and silvery
in full sun & more ‘ground-cover-like’ in partial shade.
Blooms/fruits: Bright red-orange fuschia-type flowers from late summer to fall (even winter in
warm winter areas). Pollinated by hummingbirds. Extremely showy as there are many flowers –
and at a time when few other plants may be blooming! May bloom for several months.
Uses in the garden: as a ground cover on sunny dry slopes or semi-shaded areas. For the mid- to
back-bed area in mixed beds and borders. Provides welcome fall color. Tolerates some foot traffic
once established. Hummingbird magnet! Lovely naturalizer if let go to seed; good filler plant as
well. Cultivars ‘Northfork Coral’, ‘Woody's Peach Surprise’, 'Sky Island Orange', 'Orange Carpet' and
‘Everett’s Choice’ best for cold-winter areas.
Sensible substitute for: non-native fuschias; other shrubby ground-covers.
Attracts: hummingbirds; plants provide some cover for birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to partial shade (hot gardens)
Soil Any, from sand to clay; any pH up to about 8.0
Water Little to moderate when established; drought tolerant (loses leaves); can tolerate flooding
Fertilizer None needed in ground; 1 dose ½ strength fertilizer per year for plant in containers.
Other Quite pest-free; fine with organic, inorganic or no mulch
Management: Can be invasive – spreading by both seedlings and rhizomes. Cut back to ground in
spring for fuller growth. You can pinch terminal buds to promote branching (like any fuschia).
Propagation: from seed: yes from cuttings: fairly easy from hardwood cuttings in fall.
Plant/seed sources (see blog list for source numbers): 3, 4, 20, 21 09/05/2020
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