Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' (Hardy Fuchsia) — Bushy or arching shrub; trailing in basket cultivars

Overview

Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' is a bushy or arching shrub; trailing in basket cultivars shrub in the genus Fuchsia, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous, or evergreen in mild areas; oval, toothed, mid to dark green foliage. It typically grows around 3.6 m tall and 3 m wide. Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' grows best in partial shade to full sun; light shade gives the best flower colour, and tolerates fertile and moisture-retentive loam soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2-H3 for tender kinds; H4-H5 for hardy shrubs.

About

Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' is a shrub valued for a long display of pendent, tubular flowers from June to October. It forms arching, well-branched stems up to 3.6 m high with a spread of about 3 m, and has oval, toothed mid to dark green leaves that may remain evergreen in mild areas. Some forms trail and are suited to hanging baskets as well as shrubs in the border. Light shade tends to bring out the best flower colour.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fuchsia magellanica

About the genus

Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants that consists mostly of shrubs or small trees.

Wikipedia contributors, "Fuchsia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fuchsia

In the garden

Native to the lower Southern Cone of South America, Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' carries the species’ characteristic pendent blooms through a long season from June to October. Plants develop arching stems and a rounded outline; some garden selections will also trail, making them usable in both shrub borders and hanging baskets. Expect mature plants to reach around 3.6 metres tall and about 3 metres across in favourable, frost-free situations. Position it in partial shade to full sun, noting that light shade often improves bloom colour. Use a fertile, moisture-retentive loam with good drainage and a pH in the acid-to-alkaline range listed; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Choose a west or east-facing aspect in a sheltered spot to reduce exposure to strong winds that can abrade the pendant flowers. Hardiness varies by form: tender kinds are classed H2–H3 (half-hardy to borderline) and will need protection or a milder site, whereas the hardier shrubs sit in H4–H5 (average to hardy) and are suitable for many UK gardens. Because flowering extends into autumn, plan sightlines so the pendant blooms are visible from paths or seating areas during their long season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Fuchsia

Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun; light shade gives the best flower colour
Soil type: Fertile, moisture-retentive loam
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: West or east facing for preference
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2-H3 for tender kinds; H4-H5 for hardy shrubs

Plant details

Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrub
Habit: Bushy or arching shrub; trailing in basket cultivars
Foliage: Deciduous, or evergreen in mild areas; oval, toothed, mid to dark green
Height: 3.6 m
Spread: 3 m

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa'

Cultivation: Hardy fuchsias behave as herbaceous plants in cold gardens, dying back to a woody base and reshooting in late spring, so plant them a little deeper than usual to protect the crown and be patient before assuming a loss. Feed and water freely, since continuous flowering is hungry work. Tender cultivars need frost-free winter quarters or annual replacement from cuttings.
Pruning: Leave top growth over winter as crown protection, then cut hardy kinds back to a low framework in mid-spring once new buds break. Pinch young shoots to build a bushy plant, and prune tender kinds hard in spring after overwintering.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings root with unusual ease in spring and summer and are the standard method for every cultivar. Species can be grown from seed.
Pest resistance: Vine weevil in containers, capsid bug distorting shoot tips, and fuchsia gall mite, which causes severely deformed growth and has no chemical cure.
Disease resistance: Fuchsia rust produces orange pustules on leaf undersides in humid conditions, and grey mould affects plants overwintered under glass.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa'?

Hardy fuchsias behave as herbaceous plants in cold gardens, dying back to a woody base and reshooting in late spring, so plant them a little deeper than usual to protect the crown and be patient before assuming a loss. Feed and water freely, since continuous flowering is hungry work. Tender cultivars need frost-free winter quarters or annual replacement from cuttings.

Where is the best place to plant Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa'?

Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' prefers partial shade to full sun; light shade gives the best flower colour. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' need?

Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa' grows best in fertile and moisture-retentive loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Fuchsia magellanica 'Globosa'?

Leave top growth over winter as crown protection, then cut hardy kinds back to a low framework in mid-spring once new buds break. Pinch young shoots to build a bushy plant, and prune tender kinds hard in spring after overwintering.