About

Fuchsia perscandens, the scrambling fuchsia, is a scrambling, woody, deciduous shrub, semi-evergreen in mild locations, to about 1.2 m tall, with pale-green leaves and thin, pendent, tubular violet and green flowers from summer through to autumn. An ornamental and unusual fuchsia native to New Zealand.

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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, 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

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Hardy outside in most UK regions. Plant the base of the stem 5cm below the soil surface, provide a deep winter mulch and shelter from cold drying winds. See hardy fuchsia cultivation for further information
PruningPruning Group 6
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in any season
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)