Fuchsia (fyoo-shuh) is a perennial, trailing woody vine belonging to the genus Fuchsia and family Onagraceae, most commonly known as Willowherb or Evening Primrose family.
The genus and color term Fuchsia originated from the first fuchsia plant discovered in the 17th century by Father Charles Plumier, botanist and missionary in the Dominican Republic.
Plumier named the discovered plant after Leonhart Fuchs, sometimes spelled as Leonhard Fuchs, a 16th-century German botanist, author, and physician, with notable works about medicinal and herbal plants and their uses.
Most of these tender perennial species are mainly native to Central and South America, with some growing naturally in Mexico (six species), New Zealand (three species), Hispaniola (two species), and Tahiti (one species).
Fuchsia is prized for its vividly-colored single or double, dangling, teardrop-shaped flowers from long, trailing stems. Its dark green foliage consists of lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges.
This deciduous, perennial shrub is well-known for its several common names, including:
- Earring flower
- Hardy Fuchsia
- Hummingbird Fuchsia
- Lady’s eardrop or Ladies’ eardrops
- Native Fuchsia
- Tree fuchsia
The common name Hummingbird Fuchsia originated from how hummingbirds use this plant as a staple food source because of its large quantities of nectar.
Fuchsia is widely grown and cultivated due to its showy, brightly-colored blooms as perennial or annual.
It has more than 100 different Fuchsia species and around 3,000 Fuchsia plant varieties, and among them are:
- Fuchsia boliviana
- Fuchsia campii
- Fuchsia corymbiflora
- Fuchsia denticulata
- Fuchsia harlingii
- Fuchsia lehmannii
- Fuchsia magellanica
- Fuchsia orientalis
- Fuchsia sylvatica
- Fuchsia triphylla
Some of the best Fuchsia varieties include:
- ‘Army Nurse’ – purple flower with red sepals
- Bolivian Fuchsia – red flowers
- ‘Swingtime’ – ruffled white petals with bright red sepals
- ‘Dollar Princess’– red and purple flowers
- ‘Lady in Black’ – black-purple frilly petals with red sepals
- ‘Seventh Heaven’ – rose-pink flowers with pale pink sepals
Quick Facts On Fuchsia
- Family: Onagraceae
- Light: Partial Shade; Filtered Sun
- Temperature: 55° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering; Moist, well-drained soil
- Fertilizer: Diluted Liquid Fertilizer
- Propagation: Stem cuttings or Seeds
- Common Problems: Fuchsia Gall Mites, Aphids, Spider mites, Whiteflies
Fuchsia Care
How Big Does Fuchsia Grow?
Fuchsia is a fast-growing plant, commonly reaching 1′ to 2′ feet tall with a spread of 1′ to 2′ feet in diameter within five months to a year.
Different Fuchsia species have two different growing habits: the trailing type and the bushier, upright type.
The upright Fuchsia varieties can reach up to 6′ feet tall in maturity, while dwarf Fuchsia varieties can range from 2′ to 3′ feet tall.
In addition, Fuchsia excorticata, commonly known as tree Fuchsia, is a species with dull-red waxy flowers. It is native to New Zealand, naturally growing up to 50′ feet tall.
When Does Fuchsia Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Fuchsia is a perennial, showy flowering shrub that is prized for its brightly-colored dropping tubular or teardrop-shaped flowers with four petals and slender sepals.
Naturally in singles or doubles, its flower inflorescence is flared in shape, hence the common name ladies’ eardrop.
Fuchsia flowers bloom in various shades, including:
- White
- Bright red
- Purple
- Vivid pink
- Magenta
- Peach
- Lavender-blue
- Delicate pink
Its flowers are also borne from the trailing stems with 3 to 5 whorls of lance-shaped leaves with serrated margins or edges. These leaves grow on the opposite sides of the stem.
After flowering, Fuchsia produces small fruits similar to a berry, with shades of deep red, dark reddish green, deep purple, or black when ripe, containing numerous tiny seeds.
These small berries are edible, with a taste resembling grapes, tart lemon, or figs with a peppery hint.
They can also be harvested and made into jam or jelly. Aside from its fruits, Fuchsia flowers and leaves are also edible and can be a tasty addition to a salad.
You may witness the magnificent display of Fuchsia blooms from early spring to the early frost of autumn (June to October).
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Fuchsia plants are shrubby, evergreen perennials that thrive in partial shade or bright, filtered light conditions.
As a general rule of thumb, Fuchsia plants grow best at 55° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit temperatures and cannot tolerate temperatures below 40° degrees Fahrenheit as they are half-hardy perennials.
In addition, Fuchsia plants are best planted in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11. However, some Fuchsia varieties may grow in zones 6 to 7.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Fuchsia?
Fuchsias need moderate but consistent watering, especially during their active growing season.
It’s important to keep them hydrated and the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
For outdoor planted Fuchsias, water them once a week, and about two or three times a week for potted Fuchsia plants.
For fertilizer application, feed your Fuchsia plant with soluble or diluted liquid fertilizer in the summer (blooming season) to encourage new growth and robust flowering. You may also feed them with either seaweed or fish emulsion.
What Is The Best Soil For Fuchsia, And When Should You Transplant?
Fuchsias thrive in consistently moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matters.
They also like neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6 to 7 and grow best when planted in soil types that are chalky, loamy, or sandy.
In general, in-ground Fuchsia plants prefer soil amended with compost or peat moss to encourage excellent growth.
However, potted Fuchsia plants do well in a pot or container filled with ordinary peat-based potting mix and have good drainage.
It’s best to transplant or move your fuchsia plant in spring or fall for the best chance of success.
Remember to dig a hole about 18″ inches wide and 14″ inches deep to allow for a deep root system.
Also, ensure that fuchsia’s top of the root ball is planted 5″ inches below the soil’s surface.
Does Fuchsia Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Regular pruning, especially in early spring or late winter, is essential to maintain the vibrant blooms of Fuchsia plants.
Using clean garden shears, remove brittle or thin growth from trailing Fuchsia and light trim the bushy perennial Fuchsia in the spring to encourage bloom and clean dead stems.
In addition, it’s good to pinch growing tips after two pairs of leaves are formed.
How To Propagate Hummingbird Fuchsia?
Hummingbird Fuchsia can be propagated via two methods, including:
- Stem cuttings
- Seeds
For stem cuttings, the easiest propagation method for this plant, it’s important to do it in spring.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use clean garden shears to cut off 2″ to 4″ inches of stem tip segments above the third set of leaves.
- Remove the bottom set of leaves.
- Dip the stem cutting in rooting hormone.
- Plant the stem cutting in a pot or tray filled with a seed-starter mix or soil amended with peat moss, sand, and perlite.
- Cover the container with clear plastic and place it in a warm place.
After 3 to 4 weeks, roots will start to develop, and at this time, remove the plastic cover.
Also, repot the cutting in a larger container and move it outdoors when you notice a new leaf growth.
For seed propagation, here are the following steps to do:
- First, wait until the small berries are mature (darker in color).
- Once it’s ripe, harvest and slice them open, scraping the seeds out.
- Then, soak the seeds for 30 minutes.
- Next is to rub the pulp off of the seeds with a paper towel.
- Set them in a cool and dry location with good air circulation to dry.
- Once the seeds are dry, store them in a paper bag or jar.
- In the early spring, sow the seeds in a container with a mix of potting soil, peat moss, and vermiculite.
- Spread the seeds, pressing them lightly and covering them with a light layer of potting soil.
- Cover it with loose, clear plastic.
- Give them enough bright, indirect sunlight with a consistent temperature of 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the plastic cover after the seeds sprout.
Fuchsia Plant Pests And Disease Problems
Ladies’ eardrops are generally rabbit and deer resistant but are susceptible to the following pests:
- Aphids
- Fuchsia Gall Mites
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
When you notice an infestation, the option for control is to use neem oil or a dilution of insecticidal soap and water.
Another excellent way to deter these pests is to prune the ladies’ eardrops consistently.
Here are also a few diseases you should watch out for:
- Botrytis Blight
- Fuchsia rust
Uses Of Ladies’ Eardrops
Ladies’ eardrops is an eye-catching perennial trailing vine with elegant teardrop-shaped flowers that looks like a fancy chandelier, making it excellent for hanging baskets.
Imagine a display of brightly-colored blooms cascading over the edge of your covered porch.
These perennial shrubs are also excellent for displays, adding pops of color to borders, container pots, backyard, garden, balcony garden, and patio.
In addition, the fruits of Ladies’ eardrops are edible and can be made into delicious jams or jellies.
The flowers are also edible and can be used as decorative when crystallized in cakes and desserts.