About
A tender, rare evergreen shrub to around 4m in height with large, lush green elliptic leaves and pendent panicles of slender-tubed waxy bright red and white flowers in late summer to autumn, followed by edible red fruits, with a flavour similar to kiwi fruit but not as sweet. Site in a conservatory or greenhouse, providing a tropical feel.
About the genus
Fuchsia can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, rarely perennials, with opposite or whorled leaves and usually pendent flowers with conspicuous tubular calyx, 4 spreading sepals and 4 erect petals
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Sub-tropical
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 with added perlite for drainage. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly to keep moist in winter. See tender fuchsia cultivation for further information
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-hardwood 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)