The fuchsia plant has gained considerable notoriety recently and expert growers attribute this to its breathtaking flower, wonderful fragrance and versatility in the garden. Fuchsias flourish nicely throughout the year in zones 8 to 10, but also do well as an annual in many other regions. Growing fuchsia plants is not necessarily difficult, but there are some helpful hints that gardeners should know.
Fuchsia Origins
Originating in the mountainous regions of South America, the fuchsia plant is entrenched in local legend and ancestral folklore. According to such tales, a traveling British sailor brought a specimen back as a gift for his beloved wife. Eventually it was spotted by botanists, and other nursery specialists, who recognized the fuchsia's potential, and began to cultivate. Brits became enamored, the fuchsia plant caught on, and was subsequently named for the 16th century botanist Leonard Fuchs.
Plant Chronicle
- Common Name - Fuchsia and Lady's eardrops.
- Botanical Gens - Fuchsia.
- Blooms - From summer to first sign of frost.
- Colors - Pink, vivid red, bright white, purple and orange.
- Height - Trailing varieties: 6-25 in. and shrubs: 8in. to 10 ft.
- Light requirements - Full sun to partial shade in hot climates.
- Soil preference - Well draining, moist and rich.
Fuchsia Evolution
When grown in their native South America fuchsia are large shrubs or small trees with obscure little flowers. With today's modern hybrids, flowers are the overt prominence of the plant. Since the 1800s, horticulturists and flower propagators have developed these delicate flowers into a much larger single or double bloom. Fuchsia flowers now reach widths of two to three inches across and boast bright and brilliant colors.
Garden enthusiasts find the versatility of the fuchsia plant quite freeing in that, depending on the variety, fuchsia come in many shapes and sizes. The plants range from petite miniatures, that can be trained to suit any garden design, to 10 foot jumbos that are usually shaped into large bushes or trees.
Fuchsia's Preferred Conditions
Many growers find the true thrill of the fuchsia plant lies in the long bloom time and impressive flowers. Fuchsias bloom from summer through fall, but in areas where winters are mild they can flower all year long. Fuchsias do prefer temperate climates and only specific cultivars will tolerate extreme heat, drought and humidity. Under such conditions, full sun is not recommended. In much colder climates, fuchsias are primarily grown in hanging baskets and as potted patio plants, so they can be protected from frigid temperatures.
All fuchsia specimens are vigorous growers with hearty appetites. Provide them with room to grow, a strong fertile soil and a liquid fertilizer through the season to ensure continued blooms and strong growth. Once fuchsia plants are completely set and beginning to grow, pinch back the stems, which will encourage plant fullness. Do not pinch back 8 to 10 weeks prior to flowering season.
Fruit of Your Labor
Fuchsia are not completely care free when it comes to gardening, but they are well worth it come bloom time. These dazzling beauties are breathtaking and in a class of their own. To keep fuchsias continuously blooming remove dead flowers immediately, as new ones will replace them.
For propagation, take tip cuttings. Be sure and cut at least two or three knuckle joints up the growth branch, quickly dip into root compound, and insert into damp, rich, soil medium. Specialty seed catalogs are a good source for gardeners who wish to start from seeds.
Fuchsia Garden Clubs
Fuchsias are so popular, and maintain such an avid following, that experienced growers can be found worldwide. The American Fuchsia Society is one of the oldest flower groups and maintains the recorded registry of all new hybrids and cultivars. There are also many localized fuchsia fan clubs in which any interested grower may take part.
Developed over 400 years ago this flowering favorite boasts many devoted fans and brightens gardens globally. Fuchsia fans agree that the little bit of extra attention needed is well worth the time and effort, considering the joy that they bring.
Source:
Helsel, Donald, "No One Can Resist the Beauty of Fuchsia", Birds and Blooms, June/July 2004, Pg. 14-15.
Valerie Modreski - Ms. Modreski has worked as a writer for over 30 years. Valerie began her career on the editorial staff of the Broward College academic ...
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