Fuchsia Fuchsia 'David Savage' (d)
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'David Savage' is a spectacular ornamental plant known for its unique and vibrant flowers. Its blossoms are particularly eye-catching, with a striking combination of colors. The flowers dangle like elegant pendants from the branches, displaying a meld of deep pink, purples, and reds. The outer parts of the petals typically showcase a lighter hue, sometimes with a soft pink or lavender touch, while the inner skirts exhibit a rich, deep purple or magenta shade. Adding to this palette are the long, graceful stamens that protrude from the center of the flowers, often tipped with lavender or purple anthers that provide a delightful contrast to the petals. The flowers are not only visually striking but are also known to attract hummingbirds, adding movement and life to the garden landscape. The foliage of Fuchsia 'David Savage' is also noteworthy, with leaves that boast a deep green color, which create a lush backdrop for the dazzling blooms. The leaves themselves are oval-shaped and may have a subtle serration to their edges, giving them a delicate texture. They are typically glossy, adding a shimmering effect as they catch the light. Together, the flowers and foliage of Fuchsia 'David Savage' create a memorable visual impact in any garden, with the long-lasting blooms offering a continuous show of color throughout the blooming season. This plant stands out magnificently in garden borders, hanging baskets, and containers, bringing an air of elegance and a splash of dramatic color wherever it is placed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Ear Drops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'David Savage'
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia plants, including the Fuchsia 'David Savage' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are not known to cause serious harm if ingested, although some individuals might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It's always a good practice to avoid eating ornamental plants and to supervise children around them to prevent accidental ingestion.
To pets
Fuchsias are also generally recognized as safe for pets. They are not toxic to cats, dogs, or other household pets, so accidental ingestion typically does not lead to poisoning or serious issues. As with humans, some pets might have a mild gastrointestinal reaction if they consume a significant amount of the plant. However, symptoms should not be severe. If any concerning signs are observed after ingestion, it's best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet 60 cm
Spread
2 feet 60 cm
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Fuchsia 'David Savage' (d) is known for its striking and colorful hanging flowers, which add visual interest to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's vibrant flowers can attract hummingbirds and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Shade Tolerance: Capable of thriving in partial shade, this fuchsia is a great addition to garden spots that receive limited direct sunlight.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers, baskets, or borders, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Extended Blooming Season: With proper care, Fuchsia 'David Savage' (d) can have a long flowering period, providing color for many months.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants and expand their garden displays.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia 'David Savage' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, with the petals imparting a soft pink hue to textiles.
- The blossoms of the Fuchsia can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts for a touch of elegance.
- As a teaching tool in botany and horticulture classes, the Fuchsia can be a good example for studying plant structure and hybridization techniques.
- Fuchsia flowers can be floated in bowls of water to create simple, yet aesthetically pleasing table centerpieces for events.
- The plant can serve as an indicator species in gardens, as Fuchsias are sensitive to environmental changes, thereby signaling soil or air quality issues.
- Fuchsia cuttings can be used in craft projects, such as making wreaths or natural art pieces, due to their vibrant flowers and interesting shapes.
- In an outdoor setting, Fuchsia plants can be strategically placed to add color and visual barriers in a garden landscape design.
- For photographers and artists, the Fuchsia provides a striking subject for works focusing on color contrast and natural beauty.
- The nectar of Fuchsia flowers can be used to attract and support hummingbird populations in gardens as a natural food source.
- Fuchsia 'David Savage' can be incorporated into a living roof or green roof design, contributing to biodiversity and aesthetic value.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confiding Love: The delicate hanging blossoms of the Fuchsia symbolize confiding love. It is believed that giving a fuchsia to someone expresses deep romantic feelings.
- Good Taste: The elegant and vibrant appearance of the Fuchsia plant, with its lovely color combination and graceful drooping flowers, represents good taste and appreciation for beauty.
- Elegance and Grace: The Fuchsia's poised flowers are emblematic of high-class and sophistication, suggesting the bearer or recipient possesses a natural elegance and grace.
- Ambiguity: The fuchsia's two-tone flowers can represent ambiguity or a more nuanced view, reflecting complexity in feelings or relationships.
WaterLady's eardrops should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch but before the plant wilts, typically every week or so, depending on the climate and the plant's environment. Use lukewarm water and water at the base to avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet, as this can lead to disease. During the growing season, increase watering to maintain consistently moist soil but never soggy. Provide about 16-24 ounces of water every time you water, ensuring the plant has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightLady's eardrops thrive in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoon hours, as this can burn their leaves. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal for nurturing healthy growth.
TemperatureLady's eardrops prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit without damage but cannot survive in temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, keep them in an environment where the temperature is consistently within their preferred range.
PruningPrune lady's eardrops to promote bushier growth, remove dead or damaged stems, and encourage more flowering. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but the best time for substantial pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Removing faded flowers regularly, known as deadheading, will also encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia plants prefer a rich, moist, and well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal soil mix can be created using one part peat moss, one part loam, and one part perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingFuchsias should be repotted annually or when the plant becomes root-bound. This typically means repotting in the spring before the onset of the new growing season.
Humidity & MistingFuchsias thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, preferably between 60-70%. They benefit from a humid environment but can tolerate levels down to about 50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light, maintain high humidity, and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Place in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds, and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'David Savage' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm, moist soil conditions. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant, displaying its characteristic foliage and beginning to form a robust root system. As it matures, the fuchsia enters a period of vigorous growth, where it develops the stems and leaves that will support its distinctive flowers. Once mature enough, it produces vividly colored flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, or white, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. The flowers are followed by the development of small fruit that contain seeds, enabling the propagation of new plants. After blooming, the fuchsia may enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where it conserves energy to survive adverse conditions, only to begin a new growth cycle with the return of favorable weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method to propagate the Fuchsia 'David Savage', commonly known as Fuchsia, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, you take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long from new growth, just above the second set of leaves. You remove the bottom set of leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Then you plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring it's moist but well-draining. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight, and kept consistently moist. Roots usually develop within three to four weeks, after which the new Fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.
