Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Hawkshead'
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' is a graceful plant known for its striking and elegant blooms. It features dainty, pendant-like flowers which are pure white with a slight greenish hue near the tips. The tube and sepals of these flowers are long and slender, which gracefully contrast with the more diminutive, skirt-like petals that bloom from below. These exquisite flowers hang from arching stems, creating a delicate appearance that is almost reminiscent of a ballet dancer in the midst of a performance. The foliage of 'Hawkshead' is made up of small, dark green leaves which have a slight sheen to them. The leaves are ovate with a subtle point at the tip and slightly toothed edges, forming a bushy backdrop that beautifully showcases the white hanging blossoms. The contrast between the dark leaves and the white flowers is particularly striking and adds to the overall visual appeal of the plant. The Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' blooms profusely, and when in full flower, it creates a spectacular display. As the seasons change, Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' continues to hold interest. After flowering, if the conditions are right, the plant may produce small, oval purple fruits that add yet another layer of visual interest, although these are not the primary attraction of the plant. Overall, the Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' presents a romantic, cottage garden aesthetic and can be a charming addition to any garden space with its enchanting flowers and lush green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fairy's Thimbles, Fuchsia.
Common names
Fuchsia 'Hawkshead'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', commonly known as Fuchsia, is not considered highly toxic to humans. Most fuchsias, including 'Hawkshead', are regarded as having low toxicity, meaning they're unlikely to cause serious harm if accidentally ingested in small quantities. However, digestive upset is possible, as with any non-food plant if eaten. If larger amounts are consumed, symptoms may include stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. It's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities and to keep young children from ingesting them, as their reactions could be more severe.
To pets
Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', commonly known as Fuchsia, is typically considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. This means that if a pet ingests part of a Fuchsia plant, it is unlikely to suffer from serious poisoning. However, as with humans, the consumption of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild digestive upset in some pets, leading to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea if they consume a significant amount of the plant. To prevent any potential problems, it is still sensible to discourage pets from chewing on fuchsia plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive flowers: Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' produces elegant, long-tubed white blossoms that have a graceful pendulous habit, appealing to garden enthusiasts and adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Pollinator-friendly: It attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Shade tolerance: This variety of fuchsia can thrive in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for garden spaces that may not receive full sunlight.
- Long blooming period: Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' has a lengthy flowering season, often from early summer until the first frost, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Use in various garden designs: It can be planted in borders, containers, cottage gardens, and hanging baskets, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Relative hardiness: It is one of the more cold-hardy fuchsias, expanding its potential growing regions into cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' can be used in hanging baskets for an elegant display as their cascading branches create a lively, waterfall effect with their delicate flowers.
- The plant can serve as a host for butterfly larvae, providing an ecological benefit by supporting the life cycle of native butterflies.
- Cuttings from Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' can be used in floral arrangements to add a splash of color and unique texture to bouquets.
- The dense foliage and flowers can be utilized as living curtains in outdoor seating areas, providing both privacy and a beautiful backdrop.
- Dried fuchsia flowers, including those from 'Hawkshead', can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing their shape and residual color to the blend.
- The branches of Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' can be gently bent and shaped into creative topiaries for a distinctive, sculptural element in gardens or containers.
- Fuchsia plants can act as natural fencing when planted closely in a row, serving as a vibrant floral hedge in the garden.
- The plant can be used in educational settings as an example of pendulous flower growth, illustrating how certain plants adapt to attract pollinators.
- Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', with its striking flowers, can serve as an artistic reference for botanical illustration, photography, or painting, inspiring artists with its form and color.
- As a nectar-rich plant, 'Hawkshead' can be included in a bee-friendly garden, contributing to the conservation of pollinators by providing a food source.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace under pressure - The delicate, teardrop-shaped blossoms of the Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' can be seen as a symbol for maintaining composure and elegance even in stressful situations.
- Confiding love - Fuchsias have been traditionally associated with confiding love. Their hanging flowers might be seen as a metaphor for trust and the gentle act of bending towards someone to share a secret.
- Good taste - The Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' is known for its beautiful, white and subtle green colored flowers. This can represent refinement, sophistication, and good judgment in aesthetic choices.
- Elegance and amiability - This plant, with its beautiful hanging blossoms, often symbolizes these traits, as the fuchsia's unique form and gracefulness can evoke a sense of pleasantness and sociability.
WaterTo properly water a Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', or hardy fuchsia, maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. On average, this may translate to watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions, with approximately one gallon of water per week. During hot spells, watering frequency may increase. In winter, reduce watering but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
LightHardy fuchsias like Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' flourish best in partial shade conditions. They should be placed in a spot where they are protected from the intense heat of the midday sun which can scorch their leaves. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade or filtered light throughout the day is ideal for these plants.
TemperatureFuchsia 'Hawkshead' prefers a temperate climate, thriving in a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be particularly damaging. The ideal temperature for hardy fuchsias should be maintained away from cold drafts and extreme heat.
PruningHardy fuchsias such as Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' require pruning to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak branches and shaping the plant. During the growing season, pinch back the tips of the branches to promote branching. Pruning should be done annually to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, peat moss, and sand or perlite. A balanced pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant, ensuring that nutrients are readily available for optimal growth and flower production.
RepottingHardy fuchsia should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. This ensures that the plant has enough space to grow and access to fresh nutrients, which are essential for its health and flowering capabilities.
Humidity & MistingHardy fuchsia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%. Consistent humidity encourages healthy growth and vibrant blooms while reducing stress on the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade, sheltered from wind, moist but well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Hawkshead', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm, moist soil conditions. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops into a young plant with distinctive fuchsia characteristics, such as the opposite leaf arrangement. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it grows stems and leaves, forming a bushy habit. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to autumn, it produces hanging, white flowers with greenish tips that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dark purple fruits or berries. In colder climates, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, reducing metabolic activity until favorable conditions return in spring, initiating a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' is through softwood cuttings. This is usually done in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most tender and pliable. To propagate, one must select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should be placed in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain a humid environment. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions.
