Fuchsia species - .

No photos yet for Fuchsia species - .

Description

Fuchsia species is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The fruit of all species and cultivars of this genus is edible, though in many instances the fruit leaves an unpleasant after-taste in the mouth.

Distribution

Southern N. America.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers cool moist conditions and some shade. Succeeds in a good loam if leafmold and sand are added. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. This is a seedling from an unlabelled hardy fuchsia cultivar that had good quality fruit (this does not relate to the named cultivars included here). Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe though it can also be sown in the spring. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination should take place in less than 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a cultivar and so will not breed true from seed, though this can be a good way of obtaining new fruiting forms. Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long, May/June in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts. Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above. Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season.