Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley'
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' is a striking ornamental plant known for its unique and vibrant flowers. The blooms hang gracefully from the branches, reminiscent of dainty earrings, with a two-toned color palette that adds a spectacular pop of color to any garden. The flower buds are typically deep pink to purple, and as they open, the petals fold back to reveal a softer pink to lavender inner layer, creating a beautiful contrast. The center of the flower, sometimes referred to as the skirt, is comprised of the inner petals that flare out attractively from the darker-colored outer sepals. The foliage of 'Celia Smedley' is composed of small to medium-sized leaves which can range in color from a deep green to a slight reddish tint along the edges, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. The leaves have a delicate, slightly serrated margin which is visually appealing and adds texture to the overall appearance. The stems on which the leaves and flowers grow are slender and may arch gracefully under the weight of the blooms, contributing to a cascading effect, especially when the plant is grown in hanging baskets or elevated settings. Overall, the main attraction of Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' is its delightful flowers that bloom profusely throughout its flowering season, creating a cascade of color that is both eye-catching and enchanting. The plant is appreciated for both its visual beauty and the way it adds a touch of elegance to garden settings, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who wish to add a vibrant and decorative element to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley', commonly known simply as Fuchsia, is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. Most species of Fuchsia, including this one, can be safely grown in gardens and homes without the concern of poisoning. However, it's always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is known to be edible, and to keep plants out of reach from young children who may inadvertently consume plant parts out of curiosity.
To pets
Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley', widely known as Fuchsia, is not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The plant does not contain any known toxins that can cause serious harm to animals if they ingest parts of it. Nevertheless, it is generally a good practice to prevent pets from eating plants since ingestion can sometimes lead to mild digestive upset even with non-toxic plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet 6 inches (0.76 meters)
Spread
2 feet 6 inches (0.76 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Fuchsias, including 'Celia Smedley', are admired for their striking and ornate hanging flowers, which add visual interest to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Hummingbird Attraction: The tubular flowers of fuchsias are known to attract hummingbirds, thus supporting local wildlife and adding to the dynamic nature of the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Fuchsias can thrive in partially shaded conditions where other flowering plants might not perform as well, providing color and life to less sunny areas.
- Container Gardening: Being compact and ornamental, Fuchsias like 'Celia Smedley' are well-suited for container gardening, making them versatile for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Extended Blooming Season: With proper care, fuchsias can have a long flowering season, from late spring through fall, ensuring a continuous display of blooms.
- Variety of Uses: Fuchsias are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings, including hanging baskets, borders, and as specimen plants.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in different areas or to share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia as a natural dye: The flowers of the fuchsia plant can be used to create a beautiful pink-purple dye for fabrics or art projects.
- Edible fuchsia flowers: Some fuchsia flowers, including 'Celia Smedley', are edible and can be used in salads, as garnishes, or crystallized for cake decorations.
- Fuchsia in hanging baskets: 'Celia Smedley' is particularly well-suited to hanging baskets, adding vibrant color and visual interest to patios and porches.
- Fuchsia for bonsai: With careful pruning and training, fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' can be grown as a bonsai, offering a unique display of its miniature flowers and leaves.
- Fuchsia berries as wildlife food: The berries of 'Celia Smedley' can provide a source of food for birds and other wildlife in the garden.
- Fuchsia as a teaching tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach principles of botany, horticulture, and the life cycle of plants.
- Fuchsia in floral arrangements: The striking flowers can be used in cut floral arrangements to add a splash of color indoors.
- Fuchsia for fairy gardens: These plants are a perfect addition to whimsical fairy gardens, thanks to their drooping flowers and bright colors.
- Fuchsia as photography subjects: Their unique shape and vibrant colors make fuchsia flowers excellent subjects for photographers, especially macro photography enthusiasts.
- Fuchsia for container gardens: Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' can be planted in containers to decorate balconies and small outdoor spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confiding Love: The hanging blossoms of fuchsia often symbolize confiding love as their delicate petals suggest a gentle, deep connection reminiscent of whispered intimacies.
- Elegance and Grace: With its elegant drooping flowers, the fuchsia is seen to represent gracefulness. It's a common gesture to give fuchsias to communicate appreciation for someone's poised and dignified behavior.
- Good Taste: The fuchsia's unique and aesthetically appealing appearance has made it a symbol of good taste, often given as a compliment to someone’s refined preferences and sophistication.
- Ardent Love: The rich colors and the long-lasting blooms of the fuchsia plant have made it a symbol of ardent love, expressing a passionate and enduring affection.
WaterFuchsia 'Celia Smedley', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be once or twice a week depending on the climate. Ensure you provide enough water to soak the root zone, using about half a gallon for a medium-sized plant each time you water. During winter, reduce the frequency to prevent soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot. It's crucial to adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall, temperature, and the plant's location.
LightFor hardy fuchsia, the ideal light condition is partial shade, where the plant is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight followed by dappled shade in the afternoon is perfect. Ensure the plant is not placed in deep shade as this can reduce flowering and cause leggy growth; bright, indirect light will keep your fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' happy and blooming.
TemperatureHardy fuchsia thrives in cooler temperatures and should be kept in a range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the plant. During extreme heat, ensure the plant is shaded and hydrated to avoid stress.
PruningPrune hardy fuchsia in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, to maintain its shape and encourage robust flowering. Remove dead or damaged wood and up to one-third of the previous year's growth to promote vigour. Pruning is also the time to cut back any overly long or leggy branches and to thin out the plant for better air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Celia Smedley' prefers a well-draining potting mix with compost and peat moss for moisture retention. The ideal pH for this plant's soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFuchsias, including 'Celia Smedley', should generally be repotted annually, ideally in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingFuchsias thrive in high humidity environments, ideally between 60% to 70%. They benefit from a moist atmosphere without being waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, shelter from strong winds and hot sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleFuchsia 'Celia Smedley', commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a warm and humid environment to trigger growth. Following germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic fuchsia foliage, then gradually mature and prepare to bloom. During the flowering stage, typically from late spring through fall, the plant produces distinctive hanging flowers with a combination of pink, purple, and white hues. After pollination, which is often facilitated by hummingbirds or insects, the flowers give way to small, dark-purple fruits. As an herbaceous perennial, Lady's Eardrops may enter a period of dormancy during the winter, with some parts of the plant dying back, although in very mild climates it can retain its leaves year-round. With the return of favorable growing conditions in spring, the plant resurges, often from the base or root system, and the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley', commonly referred to simply as Fuchsia, can be propagated most popularly through softwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from new growth that is not yet woody, usually in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. A cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length with a few leaves should be snipped just below a leaf joint. Removing the bottom leaves and dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage root growth. The cutting should then be inserted into a moist potting mix. Covering with a plastic bag or placing in a propagator can help maintain high humidity which is beneficial for root development. Cuttings typically root in a few weeks, after which the new Fuchsia plant can be grown on to eventually bloom and thrive like the parent plant.
