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

Zauschneria californica is a perennial in the Onagraceae adapted to dry, sunny sites. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and tolerates dry to medium moisture. Native to western North America, especially California, it is also known simply as Zauschneria. Plant it where soil does not hold water, such as rock gardens, drought-tolerant schemes and borders.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epilobium canum

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