Overview
Zauschneria californica is a perennial in the genus Zauschneria, part of the Onagraceae family. Zauschneria californica grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Suggested uses include rock gardens, drought-tolerant gardens and borders. It is native to western North America and especially California.
About the genus
Epilobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution.
In the garden
Zauschneria californica is a perennial member of the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) originating from western North America, especially California. Its ecology is geared to dry slopes and sun-exposed sites, so it performs best where soil drains freely and summer moisture is limited. Give it full sun—aim for a south- or west-facing spot where available—and a well-drained substrate. It accepts a range from dry to medium soil moisture, so avoid heavy, compacted or waterlogged ground; planting on a slight slope or in a raised, gritty mix will help establish plants in cooler, wetter UK soils. No specific feeding regime is required beyond a moderate, well-balanced start at planting if your soil is very poor. In UK gardens use Zauschneria californica in rock gardens, drought-tolerant beds and at the front of borders where its dry-soil preference can be matched. It is particularly useful on sunny gravel banks or south-facing embankments. Avoid planting in low-lying hollows that retain winter water, since Zauschneria californica needs free-draining ground.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Zauschneria
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
Plant details
Zauschneria californica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, drought-tolerant gardens, borders
- Native to
- western North America, especially California
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Zauschneria californica
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Zauschneria californica?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Zauschneria californica?
Zauschneria californica prefers full sun.
What soil does Zauschneria californica need?
Zauschneria californica grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Zauschneria californica?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How do I propagate Zauschneria californica?
Seed, cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
