California Fuchsia
Zauschneria californica
Last reviewed: July 2026
Zauschneria californica is a drought-tolerant California native shrub that produces brilliant red-orange tubular flowers from July through October. This hummingbird magnet thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
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
CA
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from July through October, providing late-season color when many other native plants have finished flowering.
- What pollinators visit California Fuchsia?
- California Fuchsia attracts hummingbirds with its tubular red-orange flowers, and also supports bees and butterflies throughout its long blooming period.
- How much water does Zauschneria californica need?
- Once established, California Fuchsia is very drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering. Overwatering can actually reduce flowering and plant health.
- Where is California Fuchsia native?
- Zauschneria californica is native to California, where it grows naturally in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry slopes throughout much of the state.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow California Fuchsia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz