Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern'
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern' is an ornamental plant with striking and decorative blooms. It's known for its beautiful flowers which have a distinctive appearance, typically resembling dangling earrings. These flowers are a combination of two vibrant colors, with outer petals that are mainly a bold red, and inner petals that are usually violet or purple, giving a striking contrast. The blossoms hang from arching stems, creating a cascading effect which is especially appealing in hanging baskets or elevated containers. The foliage of 'Doreen Redfern' consists of soft, green leaves that may have a slight blue tint, giving them a lush, velvety texture. The leaves are ovate with a subtle serration on the edges, providing a delicate backdrop to the vivid flowers. This contrast of vibrant blooms and soothing greenery makes it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts who wish to add a splash of color to their garden palette. The plant has a bushy, trailing habit, which lends itself well to both garden beds and container gardening. Its branches are slender and flexible, often bending under the weight of the flowers. With its unique and eye-catching flowers, it attracts not only human admirers but also wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies, which are drawn to its nectar-rich blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', commonly known as the fuchsia plant, is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally recognized as safe, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of fuchsia plants. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions can occur, so it's always wise to be cautious and avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', also known simply as fuchsia, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is considered non-toxic and safe, which means that if your pet happens to ingest some of the plant material, they are unlikely to experience any significant symptoms of poisoning. However, gastrointestinal irritation is possible with the consumption of any non-food plant, so monitoring your pet for any signs of distress is always a good idea after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Ornamental Appeal: Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', commonly known as fuchsia, produces striking pendulous flowers that add vibrant color and aesthetic beauty to gardens and patios.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of fuchsia plants are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of your garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in hanging baskets, container gardens, or as bedding plants, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants, fuchsias can thrive in partially shaded environments, making them suitable for a variety of garden situations.
- Long Blooming Period: Fuchsias can bloom for an extended period from spring to fall, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Easy Propagation: Fuchsias can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for their garden 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- Ink and Dye Production: The berries of Fuchsia can be boiled to produce a purplish dye suitable for fabrics or as a natural ink for writing and drawing.
- Education and Research: Fuchsia plants like 'Doreen Redfern' can be used in botanic gardens and educational programs to demonstrate plant breeding and hybridization techniques.
- Candle Making: The flowers of the Fuchsia can be incorporated into candles either as decoration or to gently scent the wax when dried and crushed.
- Fish Poison: Historically, some native tribes have used the toxic properties of certain Fuchsia species to stun fish, making them easier to catch.
- Crafting: The unique shape and vibrant colors of Fuchsia flowers make them excellent materials for crafting, such as creating natural jewelry or decorative arrangements.
- Photography Subjects: Fuchsia plants can be sought after for their photogenic qualities, serving as a beautiful subject matter for photographers, particularly those specializing in botanical imagery.
- Floating Decorations: The buoyant flowers and leaves of Fuchsias can be floated in water bowls for festive or event decorations.
- Condiment Flavouring: In some cultures, the berries of Fuchsia are used to add flavor to jams, jellies, and other condiments due to their tart, slightly peppery flavor.
- Textile Printing: The shape of Fuchsia flowers can be used in the creation of natural patterns for textile printing in artisanal fabric design.
- Artistic Inspiration: The form and colors of the Fuchsia plants provide aesthetic inspiration for artists and designers in various fields, such as fashion, textile design and interior décor.
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 fuchsia flower, often found in hanging baskets, is said to symbolize confiding love. Its unique shape resembling teardrops makes it a representation of deeper emotional connections and trust between individuals.
- Elegance and Good Taste: Known for its elegant drooping flowers and striking color combination, fuchsias are often associated with sophistication and refined preferences, symbolizing someone with a discerning sense of beauty and excellence.
- Ardent Affection: The rich colors and the way fuchsias bloom with gusto can reflect intense and passionate feelings for someone, whether it's a new love or a lasting relationship.
- Ambiguity and Fickleness: Due to their two-tone colors and the way their petals hang down, sometimes fuchsias are associated with indecisiveness or a lack of commitment, perhaps suggesting a beautiful but fleeting interest.
WaterThe Fuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, requires consistent moisture and should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may mean watering once or twice a week, but frequency can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It is important to water deeply and thoroughly, using about 16-32 ounces of water for a standard potted plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may need more frequent watering, while in the fall and winter, less frequent watering is required. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightLady's Eardrops prefer bright, indirect light with protection from the harsh midday sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade is ideal. They can thrive under a canopy of trees or on a shaded patio, ensuring they aren't exposed to intense direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate leaves and flowers.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Lady's Eardrops is between 55°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F, but frost should be avoided as it can damage the plant. During the summer, keep them in a cooler spot if temperatures exceed 76°F consistently. The plant prefers a cooler environment especially at night to encourage better blooming.
PruningPruning Lady's Eardrops helps to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Lightly prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood and pinch back the tips to promote branching. Pruning is typically done annually but may be done more frequently to remove spent flowers and to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Doreen Redfern' thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of peat, loam, and sand in equal parts. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this fuchsia to maintain health and optimize blooming.
RepottingFuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', like most fuchsias, should be repotted every 2-3 years or when you notice roots crowding the container, ideally in the spring before the new growth cycle begins.
Humidity & MistingFuchsia 'Doreen Redfern' prefers high humidity levels and thrives best when the relative humidity is kept between 60% and 70%, which simulates its natural humid environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, maintain high humidity, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Hang in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds, keep moist, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', also known as hardy fuchsia, begins with seed germination, occurring in warm, moist soil conditions; this stage typically happens in late winter or early spring if sown under glass or later outside. Upon germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of leaves close to the soil level before elongating their stems. As they mature, they transition into a vegetative stage characterized by rapid growth and the development of distinctive fuchsia foliage and branching patterns. Flowering follows, generally in the summer months, with the plant producing vibrant red and purple blossoms that attract pollinators and may lead to seed production if flowers are fertilized. After the blooming period, fuchsias can enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, with leaf drop and reduced activity; in this time they may require protection from frost. Depending on conditions and care, fuchsias can be perennial, resuming growth from their base each spring in milder climates or when overwintered properly.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Fuchsia 'Doreen Redfern', commonly known as fuchsia, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate fuchsia, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 2 to 4 inch (approximately 5 to 10 cm) length, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a couple of pairs of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium and kept moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity, which assists with root development. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new fuchsia plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
