Happy Tuesday everyone, a friend has this growing in his garden and asked me if I knew what it was. I don't, but I bet it's obvious to someone. It was growing about 2 ft tall in a stone 'sink'. He says he cut it back a while ago and it's flowered again. Any ideas?
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Epilobium californicum (formerly Zauschneria californicum).
Oh fab. Thank you Berghill.
Berghill, are you still there? I've been googling Epilobium californicum so I can tell my friend how to care for his plant but any reference to it is from California (!) where the climate is much warmer. I wondered if you were familiar enough with the plant to know how to prune it? Just cut it back hard after the flowers fade? Any advice would be really appreciated. I did check on the RHS website but no joy. Many thanks, jandh
I grow it in two slightly different areas of our garden, but both are well drained. One is a North-West facing rock garden and the other is a South-East facing gravel area.
So, Well-drained soil and full sun are essential; Zauschneria californica won't tolerate winter water-logging.
Give it a haircut in early spring to within 4in-6in of ground level. It's a good idea to do this when the risk of frost has passed as very cold weather will inhibit regrowth.
Pests and diseases are not really a problem, although slugs can occasionally attack young leaves.
Info from the Telegraph.
I have a salmon coloured one and a really dwarf one whose name escapes me at present.
Thank you so much Berghill. His is growing in a stone trough in full sun in very gritty compost. It surprised us both with its brightness a couple of months ago and now, after he chopped it back, it has flowered again. I'll let him know what you said. Many thanks again. jandh
I also have this plant zauschneria and it thrives on having no attention at all. It is planted at the base of a golden yew and every year comes back like a faithful friend. I cut it back in spring and it produces masses of flowers.
Thanks Molliegrandma. Have to say it did take us by surprise and it looks fantastic, the colour is so vibrant.
This looks like the plant I have been trying to identify. It has been flowering all summer and is now about five foot tall. It has bright red flowers that only seem to grow on the end of the shoots. Really easy to take cuttings, they just seem to root really easy.