Epilobium canum ‘Everett’s Choice’, Everett’s Choice California Fuchsia

A terrific plant for late summer color in containers, atop a wall or at the edge of the border, Everett’s Choice California Fuchsia is one of the lowest growing of all California fuchsias. A deciduous perennial, small silvery leaves hug the ground, with red-orange tubular flowers floating above. Hummingbirds adore the flowers and rely on them as a food source in late summer and early autumn when little else is blooming.

Along the coast, it grows in extremely dry soil with no summer rain, but can also be found growing near creeks and streams. Inland, it survives drought, but looks fresher when growing near naturally moist sites. Everett’s choice grows best in full sun along the coast with some afternoon shade in hot inland gardens. Although drought tolerant, it performs best with a deep summer watering every couple of weeks after establishment. As with all California fuchsias, a hard winter cut-back will produce a denser plant the following year.