About
A relatively upright, semi-evergreen shrub to 1.5m with red young stems and grey-green leaves. The slender flowers have a pink calyx and purple petals in summer and autumn.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationCan be grown outdoors in moist, fertile soil. Plant the base of the stems 5cm below the soil surface and provide a deep winter mulch and shelter from cold, drying winds. May remain semi-evergreen in milder areas where it can be grown as a hedge. See hardy fuchsia cultivation
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, fuchsia gall mite, capsid bug and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fuchsia rust, grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)