Plant Highlights

Quite different in growth habit and environmental needs than the familiar red-flowering Epilobium californicum, this rare variety of California fuchsia produces luminous, pure white flowers in summer. A variety of fuchsia introduced by the University of Santa Cruz, White California Fuchsia was originally collected from the shady streambeds along the Eel River. It is a low growing, perennial plant with a matting habit; at the highest it reaches only a foot or so off the ground. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) and Canyon Snow Iris (Iris douglasiana ‘Canyon Snow’) are both great companion plants for this unusual fuchsia, as it needs part shade and some supplemental watering about once or twice a month. Spreading from underground rhizomes, White California Fuchsia will spread once established, making it an effective ground cover and slope stabilizer for shady areas. With its enchantingly pale blooms, this rare botanical gem is also an irresistible source of nectar to hummingbirds!