Fuchsia species PFAF Plant Database

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Fuchsia species - .

Common Name

Family

Onagraceae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Not known in a wild situation

Range

Southern N. America.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

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 Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.


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Habitats

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[K].

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. None known

Other Uses
A number of frost-hardy cultivars can be grown as hedges in mild sheltered areas[188].

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers cool moist conditions and some shade[1, 15]. Succeeds in a good loam if leafmold and sand are added[1]. 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[K]. This is a seedling from an unlabelled hardy fuchsia cultivar that had good quality fruit[K] (this does not relate to the named cultivars included here). Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[200] though it can also be sown in the spring[1]. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out[200]. 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[78, K]. 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[K]. Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[K].

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Expert comment

Author
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Botanical References

Links / References

[K] Ken Fern Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[15]Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden.

A small book with interesting ideas for edible plants in the ornamental garden.

[78]Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.

A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[188]Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

Readers comment

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