When does California fuchsia bloom?

Zauschneria californica typically flowers from July into October, providing color late in the season when many other garden plants have finished blooming.

How much water does California fuchsia need?

This shrub is adapted to low water conditions once established and also tolerates occasional moderate watering, making it a good fit for dry gardens and slopes.

What pollinators visit California fuchsia?

The tubular red-orange flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and butterflies, especially during the late summer and fall bloom period.

How much sun does California fuchsia require?

It grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun locations, particularly in hotter inland climates where some afternoon shade reduces stress.

Is California Fuchsia HOA-friendly?

California Fuchsia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

California Fuchsia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Zauschneria californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Zauschneria californica is a low water shrub that produces trumpet shaped orange-red flowers from July through October, drawing hummingbirds to dry slopes and rock gardens.

California Fuchsia (Zauschneria californica) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Zauschneria californica is a drought-tolerant native shrub with striking orange-red tubular flowers that bloom from summer through fall. It forms a low spreading mound with soft gray-green foliage that adds textural interest to the garden even when not in bloom. Plants can go dormant in winter but return vigorously in spring.

Growing California Fuchsia

Grow California Fuchsia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Fuchsia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can look untidy during winter dormancy
May spread informally if not maintained
Foliage can appear grayish/silvery which some HOAs consider too 'wild'

Wildlife value

This species is a hummingbird magnet, producing nectar-rich flowers that attract them throughout late summer and fall when many other plants have finished blooming. Bees and butterflies also visit the flowers.

Common questions

When does California fuchsia bloom?: Zauschneria californica typically flowers from July into October, providing color late in the season when many other garden plants have finished blooming.
How much water does California fuchsia need?: This shrub is adapted to low water conditions once established and also tolerates occasional moderate watering, making it a good fit for dry gardens and slopes.
What pollinators visit California fuchsia?: The tubular red-orange flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and butterflies, especially during the late summer and fall bloom period.
How much sun does California fuchsia require?: It grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun locations, particularly in hotter inland climates where some afternoon shade reduces stress.
Is California Fuchsia toxic to dogs?: California Fuchsia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is California Fuchsia toxic to cats?: California Fuchsia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is California Fuchsia HOA-friendly?: California Fuchsia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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