Quick Guide: summer/autumn, half-hardy, full sun, height: 30cm/12in, width: 45-60cm/18 - 24in

Californian fuchsias, to give zauschnerias their common name, are sub-shrubby perennials from western North America and Mexico, suitable for hot, sunny positions such as the foot of a sunny wall. In the right conditions they are long-lived plants and produce their vivid red tubular flowers late in summer, persisting into the autumn.

GROWING plant in late spring or high summer in light, well drained soil. In cold areas, protect the plants with leaves or bracken over winter. Cut back in spring to just above ground level.

PROPAGATION Clumps may be divided in spring with difficulty. The better method is to take 7.Scm/3in cuttings of basal shoots in late spring. Insert in a peat/sand mixture in a propagator at 16-18°C/h1-64=F until rooted. Pot up individually in compost and transfer to a cold frame. Plant out in late summer or the following spring.

SPECIES Z.californica, grey-green hairy leaves, sprays of red flowers 2.5cm/1 in long; Z cana, distinguished by very narrow leaves.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Aphids on young shoots.