A friend of our nursery selected three Epilobium formerly Zauschneria in southwest Oregon. This species native throughout California just dips into the southern 1/3 of the southwest part of the state. This form is perhaps the most vivid of the three that Mark Wade chose. Electric salmon/orange flowers with large pink protruding stamens covers this massively blooming perennial. The habit of this form is spreading but lower- intermediate between the low growth of ‘Horse Wall’ and the height and vigor of ‘Illy’. The leaves on this form are more rounded and green and the tubular flowers are electric occurring from early August to October. Hummingbirds adore this plant and it will be visited by birds flying south for the season. To 8″ tall and spreading to 2′-3 wide in rich, well drained soil with regular water to establish. Add a handful of all organic fertilizer when planting , it will establish faster and grow much more vigorously. That said, its a very easy, climate adapted perennial and it can go without summer water when firmly established. These Epilobiums do appreciate a soak every few weeks in the driest part of summer. Totally winter deciduous this herbaceous plant is completely absent in winter. Mix with other climate adapted and vigorous perennials such as Salvia cohuilensis ‘Nuevo Leon’ and Verbena rigida. In habitat it consorts with Clinopodium and Sidalceas among many others. Excellent performance in containers and will last for years, spreading by the root to emerge from cracks in the pot or or like its natural habitat to root around rocks. Tidy the remnants in spring. Not bothered by deer. Full sun. Oregon native plant.
Xera Plants Introduction
