The best time to plant California Fuchsia is October through April. This will allow the roots time to become established before the hot dry summer. Generally the plants in the nursery pot are in some stage of dormancy or pruned during this time and the tops of the plant are not that exciting but the plant will be spectacular in summer and is worth the wait.
California Fuchsia has brittle stems and breaks easily and should be handled gently when planting. Also, consider planting away from high traffic areas where damage to these brittle stems will occur.
Epilobiums (or Zauschneria) prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil in full sun, or afternoon shade in hotter inland climates. They flower best if they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Everett’s Choice prefers partial shade in inland Southern California.
Water deeply after planting to help establish roots then water occasionally thereafter allowing the soil to dry out in between. Everett’s Choice is a bit slow to establish itself in the landscape at first. Avoid overhead irrigation. (Generally, Epilobiums do not like summer irrigation especially in heavy clay soil). In the winter, the plants should be watered very sparingly or not at all as the seasonal rains may be sufficient. Everett’s Choice is quite drought tolerant once established but may look better with some summer irrigation as long as the soil is fast-draining.
Epilobiums are perennial plants that may go dormant or semi-dormant in the winter depending on the growing zone and climate.
California Fuchsia look scraggly after flowering and should be pruned by late fall or early winter after they have finished blooming. If pruned, they will come back in spring looking lush and healthy. If your plant is still young, then lightly prune tips to encourage fuller growth. If your Epilobium has been in the ground more than 2 years it can be pruned back by 1/3 to 1/2 to encourage a more compact growth habit and promote more blooms the following year. Dead or damaged growth should also be removed as needed throughout the year.
Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium ‘Everett’s Choice’ is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial that also reseeds in the garden, which some view as a benefit.
