Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston'
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' is a striking plant, known for its unique and vibrant blossoms. The flowers are a standout feature, with long, slender sepals that gracefully extend upwards, typically in shades of pink. These sepals contrast beautifully with the full, bell-shaped corolla, which often boasts a rich purple hue, although the exact color can vary. The foliage of 'Carla Johnston' complements its flowers with dark green leaves that have a slight glossiness to them. The leaves are oval to elongated with subtle serrations along the edges, creating a lush backdrop for the ornate blooms. Depending on the age and environment of the plant, the leaves might present a slightly drooping habit, which adds to the overall elegance of the plant. Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' bears its flowers profusely, with the blooms typically suspended on delicate stems that allow them to dangle and sway gently in the breeze. This movement adds an additional layer of visual interest to the plant. As with many fuchsias, the flowers also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, adding to the dynamic nature of this charming plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsias, generally speaking, are not considered toxic to humans. However, eating non-edible parts of any plant, including Fuchsias, can potentially cause discomfort or gastrointestinal upset due to the plant matter not being a typical food substance. It is always recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly meant for consumption to prevent any possible negative effects.
To pets
Fuchsias are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest part of a Fuchsia plant, it is unlikely that they would experience poisoning. However, ingestion of large amounts of plant material could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the ingestion of a non-typical food item. As with humans, it is recommended to discourage pets from consuming any part of ornamental plants to avoid any potential upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal - Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' has striking, colorful flowers that add visual interest to any garden or space.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects, aiding in pollination.
- Shade Tolerance - It can thrive in partial shade, providing color in spots where other plants might not grow as well.
- Container Gardening - It's well-suited for pots and hanging baskets, making it versatile for small spaces and patios.
- Long Blooming Period - Fuchsias have a lengthy flowering season, from spring to fall, offering extended beauty.
- Variety of Uses - Can be used in borders, beds, and as a focal plant due to its distinctive flowers and growth habit.
- Relatively Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care beyond regular watering and occasional pruning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, providing a range of pinks and purples depending on the mordant used.
- The vibrant flowers can be crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts, giving a unique and attractive finish.
- Fuchsia flowers can be a source of nectar for making specialized honey when placed near beehives, offering a subtle floral flavor.
- The plant can serve as an educational tool in botany classes for teaching about plant structure, hybridization, and care.
- Grown in hanging baskets, Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' can be used in art installations or theatrical sets for a touch of natural beauty.
- The branches and foliage can be used in floral arrangements or bouquets as filler material to complement other flowers.
- Fuchsia can be incorporated into sensory gardens because of their interesting textures and vibrant colors that stimulate the senses.
- When dried, the petals can be used for creating natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations like outdoor weddings.
- Use Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' as a living natural barrier by planting densely to delineate spaces or create private areas in gardens.
- The plant can be employed in photography and painting classes to teach composition, color contrast, and lighting with its striking appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confiding Love: Fuchsias generally symbolize confiding love, where someone trusts enough to open up and share their deep feelings.
- Tastefulness: The elegant and tasteful appearance of the fuchsia flower represents good taste and sophistication.
- Ardent Affection: The warmth of the fuchsia's vivid colors often conveys a sense of deep affection and emotion.
- Amiability: Fuchsias are often associated with amiability, representing good rapport and a friendly, approachable spirit.
WaterThe Lady's Eardrops plant should be watered consistently to maintain moist but not soggy soil, particularly during the growth season in spring and summer. Check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Using room temperature water, aim to give the plant about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During winter months, reduce watering to when the soil feels dry a couple of inches below the surface, which might amount to approximately 0.5 gallons every 2 weeks. Always allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
LightLady's Eardrops thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. A north-facing or east-facing window is often ideal for providing the necessary light conditions.
TemperatureLady's Eardrops fare best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 55° to 75° Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum of 40° Fahrenheit but need protection from frost. Sudden temperature drops and drafts should be avoided to maintain the health of the plant.
PruningPrune Lady's Eardrops to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged stems and pinch back the tips to encourage branching. During the growing season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. The frequency of pruning depends on growth rate and can be performed as needed throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Carla Johnston' thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. A suitable mix can be created with one part peat, one part loam, and one part perlite or pine bark. The pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0-7.0, for optimal growth.
RepottingFuchsia 'Carla Johnston' should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes rootbound. It's best done in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingFuchsia 'Carla Johnston' prefers high humidity, ideally between 60% to 70%. It's beneficial to maintain a consistently humid environment, especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Shield Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston' from midday sun outside.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, begins its life as a seed, which, when provided with the right conditions of moisture and temperature, will germinate. The seedling develops true leaves and a root system, growing into a young plant. As it matures, the hardy fuchsia enters a vegetative stage, during which it develops a woody framework and can be encouraged to bush out with proper pruning and care. Following this, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive drooping flowers with a combination of vivid colors, typically in the spring and summer months. After pollination, usually by hummingbirds or other pollinators, the plant produces berries containing seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. In colder climates, the fuchsia may die back to the ground in the winter but can resprout from the roots in the spring if the plant is of a hardy variety.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Fuchsia 'Carla Johnston', commonly referred to simply as Fuchsia, can be propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem about 2 to 4 inches long with several sets of leaves. Use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node where there is a high concentration of natural rooting hormones. Remove the bottom set of leaves to expose the node and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, moisten the soil, and cover with a plastic bag or place in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots develop, usually within 3 to 4 weeks.
