Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Dollar Prinzessin' (d)
ABOUT
The Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' is a particularly attractive variety of fuchsia that bears striking two-tone flowers which are a visual delight. Each delicate blossom consists of a deep purple skirt-like outer layer, charmingly referred to as the sepals, which elegantly curve back from the flower. These are in dramatic contrast with the bold, rich pinkish-purple petals that form an ornate, ruffled skirt underneath, often referred to as the corolla. This vibrant petal arrangement creates a graceful, bell-like appearance, as the flowers dangle from the stems like ornamental droplets. The foliage of the 'Dollar Princess' adds to the plant's beauty, with leaves that exhibit a deep green hue and a subtle glossy sheen. The leaves are typically small to medium in size and have a slightly elongated shape with a gently serrated edge, adding a soft texture to the overall appearance of the plant. The stems tend to arch gracefully, giving the plant an elegant and cascading form which allows the blooms to hang freely, making them a perfect choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters where their full beauty can be appreciated. Throughout its blooming period, the 'Dollar Princess' fuchsia provides a colorful and vivacious display, attracting admirers with its vivid colors and charming form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Dollar Princess Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Dollar Prinzessin'
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsias, including the 'Dollar Princess', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, consuming any non-food plant can potentially cause some discomfort such as mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant’s fiber content and natural compounds. It is always advisable to discourage children from eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Fuchsias, including the 'Dollar Princess', are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They are not known to contain any substances that are harmful to pets if ingested. While the ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals, serious symptoms of poisoning are not expected. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and seems unwell, it's best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The plant has striking flowers with a unique pendulous teardrop shape and a vibrant combination of purple and pink hues that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Attracts Pollinators: It serves as a nectar source for pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, promoting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: Fuchsia has a lengthy flowering period, often from spring through fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and hanging baskets, making it versatile for those with limited garden space or who prefer container gardening.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants, it can thrive in partial shade, making it ideal for gardens with limited direct sunlight.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be propagated easily from cuttings, allowing gardeners to multiply their plants without additional cost.
- Cultural Significance: Fuchsias are often associated with taste and refinement, adding an element of classical beauty to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from pink to purple depending on the mordant used.
- Insect habitats can be created using the woody structure of a Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' after pruning, providing shelter for beneficial garden insects.
- The bell-shaped flowers of the Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be used in botanical art projects or pressed flower crafts due to their vibrant color and distinctive shape.
- Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be used as a temporary natural ink for stamping or printing patterns in craft projects.
- The fallen petals of the Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a splash of color and a mild, pleasant fragrance.
- Education and science projects can utilize Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of plants to students.
- Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be used in ornamental water features as their pendulous growth habit can provide a cascading floral effect near ponds or fountains.
- Gardeners can use Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' for bonsai, taking advantage of their growth pattern and flowering habit to create a miniature horticultural display.
- Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can act as a living tutor for photography enthusiasts, who can practice close-up shots and play with depth of field using the detailed structure of the flowers.
- During festive seasons, cut branches of Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' can be utilized as a natural decoration for indoor arrangements or wreaths, adding a unique and fresh look.
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- Elegance: The delicate teardrop shape and striking color contrast of the fuchsia flowers symbolize elegance and grace.
- Amiability: Fuchsia is known to represent amiability, suggesting a friendly, approachable, and warm nature.
- Good Taste: Often associated with refined aesthetic sensibilities, the fuchsia plant can imply good taste in art and decoration.
- Confiding Love: In the language of flowers, fuchsias are sometimes connected with confiding love, indicating a bond of trust and intimacy.
WaterFor the Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess,' consistent moisture is key, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply and thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, usually about 2-3 times a week, depending on climate conditions. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely but also be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the plant and the weather, but to start, use about 16 ounces (1 pint) of water per watering session. Adjust as needed for your plant's response and the local environment, keeping an eye on soil moisture.
LightFuchsia 'Dollar Princess' thrives in bright, indirect light with protection from harsh midday sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight or dappled sunlight for part of the day would be ideal for this plant. Avoid direct afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
TemperatureThe Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' prefers a relatively cool environment with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures staying above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a temporary dip down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. The ideal temperatures help to encourage lush growth and prolific blooming.
PruningPruning the Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; remove any dead or weak branches and lightly shape the plant. It's also beneficial to pinch out the tips of stems throughout the growing season to encourage branching. Pruning can be done every year to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Dollar Prinzessin', commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining. A mixture of peat, perlite, and loam is ideal. The preferred pH for this plant is slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingLady's Eardrops should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant has become root-bound. This typically corresponds with the beginning of the growing season, as it allows the plant to establish itself in fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingLady's Eardrops prefers a high humidity environment. To maintain optimal growth, aim for a humidity level between 60% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Hang in semi-shade, shelter from wind, keep moist.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' starts its life cycle from seed, although commercially it is often propagated by softwood cuttings. After germination or root development in spring, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, developing stems, leaves, and a robust root system. With proper care, conditions, and increasing daylight, it transitions to the flowering stage during the summer months, producing its distinctive pink and purple hanging blossoms. Following pollination, these flowers may produce small fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As temperatures drop in autumn, growth slows down, and the fuchsia may enter a dormant period in colder climates, losing leaves and halting growth temporarily. With the return of warmer spring weather, the plant can resume growth, either from existing structures or new growth from roots or the base of the stem if pruned back.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess', a popular ornamental shrub known for its striking purple and pink flowers, is best propagated through semi-hardwood stem cuttings. This method is commonly conducted in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. For propagation, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length is taken. The cutting must then have its lower leaves removed and be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is inserted into a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting soil, and kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight. It typically takes several weeks for roots to develop, after which the new fuchsia plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
