About
Fuchsia arborescens, the tree fuchsia, is a tender, evergreen shrub or small tree to around 2 m tall with glossy, dark-green, elliptic leaves to 20 cm long arranged in whorls. Panicles of dark-pink buds open to small, aromatic, pinkish-purple flowers in summer, followed by dark purple to blue-black fruits. A beautiful and ornamental fuchsia for a frost-free garden or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Fuchsia are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees and occasionally perennials with opposite or whorled leaves and usually pendent flowers with a conspicuous tubular calyx, four spreading sepals and four erect petals in a wide range of colours. They flower prolifically from summer to autumn and range from frost-hardy border plants to tender species for heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico, Guatemala
FragranceFlower
ToxicityAlthough Fuchsia berries are edible, most are not particularly tasty and are sparsely produced on plants. Fuchsia plants are generally grown as an ornamental and not for fruit crops within the UK
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory, in a container of peat-free multi-purpose potting compost and place outside in early summer for a summer patio container in sun or part shade. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly. See tender fuchsia cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or from semi-ripe or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, fuchsia gall mite, fuchsia flea beetle, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fuchsia rust, grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)