California Fawnlily Plant Care
Epilobium obcordatum A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Epilobium obcordatum is a species of perennial plant in the evening-primrose family (Onagraceae), known by the common name rockfringe willowherb and rock fringe. It is native to the western United States from California to Idaho, where it is found in rocky mountainous areas, at altitudes of 7,000 ft (2,100 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m).
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for California Fawnlily?
Water California Fawnlily every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the California Fawnlily Native To?
What Is the California Fawnlily?
California Fawnlily (Epilobium obcordatum) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Epilobium genus. California Fawnlily is native to the western United States from California to Idaho. California Fawnlily is also known as California Fairy Bells.
California Fawnlily displays an upright, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. California Fawnlily produces showy spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California Fawnlily?
Epilobium obcordatum requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the California Fawnlily Need?
California Fawnlily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the California Fawnlily Prefer?
Epilobium obcordatum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. California Fawnlily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Fawnlily?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for California Fawnlily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a California Fawnlily?
Feed California Fawnlily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a California Fawnlily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a California Fawnlily?
California Fawnlily can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american willowherb plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California Fawnlily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California Fawnlily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the California Fawnlily?
California Fawnlily is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the California Fawnlily Need?
California Fawnlily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. California Fawnlily is native to the western United States from California to Idaho. In cooler regions, grow California Fawnlily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
California Fawnlily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Epilobium genus — compare its care with other Epilobium species on PlantoScan.
Epilobium is part of the Onagraceae plant family — browse all Onagraceae genera and species.
California Fawnlily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Epilobium Species
Other Epilobium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Epilobium obcordatum A.Gray, family Onagraceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 6: 532 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California Fawnlily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
California Fawnlily Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species