The Fuchsia topic, post your fuchsia pics and queries

GPI · Last edited by GPI on Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:51 am; edited 1 time in total

This is the frost hardy Fuchsia magellanica “Riccartonii” commonly known as the Humming bird fuchsia.
This deciduous (sheds and renews leaves annually) shrub grows to approx 2.5 metres (7 ½ ft) in height; with a spread of approx 2.5 metres (7 ½ ft).
A native of Central and South America, the fuchsia is named after the 16th century German botanist Leonhard Fuchs.
I have often suggested this plant as an informal hedge due to its vigorous and upright shape with many branches.
From summer on until autumn those branches will be laden down with flowers that resemble hanging lanterns, in fact in some countries the fuchsia is commonly call ladies eardrops due to the flower shape.
The particular flowers on “Riccartonii” have a red outer with a purple inner; these flower stems will last approx six days indoors.
Fuchsia flowers best on new wood so I would suggest cutting it back hard every March, keep it watered and give it a liquid feed for lots of blooming growth.
Finally if you require a large flowering shrub to cope with winds or salty sea spray I would heartily recommend Fuchsia magellanica “Riccartonii”
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maglet · Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 8

I think i've fallen in love with fuchsia!
Can i ask, what kind of fuchsia this is? (sorry am unsure on how to insert an image, so put in a link - will learn for future posts!)
I love it, we inherited from the previous owners of our house. Smaller shoots seem to be springing up all around it though. I was wondering if you could use these as cuttings & and plant elsewhere???

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51677527@N00/193863905/in/photostream/

GPI

Here is maglets picture of a fuchsia.

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Lilith · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:29 pm Post subject:

I planted a fushia at my new little house this Spring. It's still a baby, but growing well. I don't know if it will bloom this year or not.

Like maglet's, mine seems to be sending wee sprouts around the base, so I, too, wonder if they might be transplanted somewhere else in the future. I'd love to create a whole wall of them.

volga · Hazel Tree Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dublin

Maglet, I think your fuchsia is called Fuchsia Voodoo. Looks lovely, what a nice gift for the previous owner to leave you. Hello Lilith, by the way, how are things in the US?

GPI

Could be Fuchsia "Royal Velvet" as well, maglet.

The smaller shoots may be lifted and / severed from the around the main fuchsia plant during mid-late autumn.
Take as much root as possible to their new planting position.

Alternatively, you can use the tips of non-flowering shoots as cuttings in spring and summer.
Insert 3 inch cuttings in pots of seed and potting compost.
Place these in a cold frame, a propagator or on a window sill with a clear plastic bag over the top.
Rooting usually takes place within 3 to 4 weeks.
The cuttings can then be potted on to 3 inch pots.
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Lilith · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:43 am Post subject:

Thanks, GPI. I'm excited about starting my fuchsia hedge now.

Volga...love your picture. Things where I am in the US are hot, hot, hot right now. Unusually hot weather....90s and very humid. A misery.

maglet · Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks for that GPI, do the cuttings tips apply to all plants? I have my eye on a few other plants i'd like to bring into the garden.
Would love to see a pic of your fuchsia when it comes into flower Lilith.
Yep, great picture Volga!

Lilith · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:42 am Post subject:

Well, I think I may have made a huge blunder with my fuchsia. I was reading up more about them and it may not be as hardy where I am. According to what I read, it doesn't like extreme heat, and can't survive Winters that get to 20 degrees F. Our Summers are usually 80s - right now we're in the 90s and very humid - and nights in the 20s are common in Winter. So, now I'm thinking a hedge is out, and I'd better plan to dig it and bring it in the house in Winter.

Any suggestions would sure be appreciated.

GPI · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:45 pm Post subject:

I suggest lifting the your fuchsia in late autumn /early winter Lilith.
Pot it up and bring it indoors, even if indoors is just a garage.
The hole left behind could allow you to sink the potted fuchsia every spring, for summer blooming.
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Lilith · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 9:17 pm Post subject:

Brilliant! That's just what I'll do. And as it grows bigger and bigger, will just get bigger and bigger pots and keep enlarging the hole. There's plenty of good windows for it in the house over Winter, too.

Thanks, GPI!