Fuchsia 'Leonora'
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Leonora' is notable for its showy appearance, often marked by a graceful droopiness. The plant features a profusion of stunning flowers that typically exhibit a two-tone color pattern. These flowers are pendulous and resemble delicate lanterns, with an outer layer typically consisting of lighter pink sepals that elegantly curve back. Beneath the sepals, a fuller, ruffled skirt of petals emerges, usually in a rich purple hue that provides a striking contrast. Above the flowers, the foliage spreads out, comprising small to medium-sized leaves that are a deep green color, sometimes with a subtle glossy finish. The leaves are usually oval or elongated with a slight serration at the edges, enhancing the overall feathery texture of the plant. The stems tend to arch, creating an elegant framework from which the flowers hang, adding to the plant's ornamental quality. Overall, Fuchsia 'Leonora' presents a cascading habit that makes it an attractive choice for hanging baskets, containers, or garden borders where its vividly hued blooms can be displayed to full effect.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Hardy Fuchsia, Hummingbird Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Leonora'.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsias, including the Fuchsia 'Leonora', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion of parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or severe health consequences. However, individual sensitivity can vary, and consuming plant material is not advisable.
To pets
Fuchsias, including the Fuchsia 'Leonora', are generally non-toxic to pets as well. They are not known to cause significant toxicity if ingested by dogs, cats, or other pets. As with humans, individual animals can have different sensitivities, but serious health issues from ingesting fuchsias are uncommon.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and unique flowers to gardens and hanging baskets.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators into the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in partially shaded environments, unlike many flowering plants.
- Versatility: Suitable for various uses, such as container planting, landscaping, and as a houseplant.
- Long Blooming: Offers a lengthy blooming period from spring into fall.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The berries of the Fuchsia can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, yielding hues ranging from light purples to pinks depending on the mordant used.
- Ink Making: Similar to dyes, the juice from fuchsia berries can be used to make a homemade ink for art or writing purposes.
- Educational Projects: Fuchsia plants can be used to teach botany and horticulture, especially in demonstrating pollination techniques and attracting hummingbirds.
- Living Decorations: Fuchsias can be trained as bonsai, adding an ornamental touch to small indoor spaces.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible fuchsia flowers can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails.
- Photographic Subjects: With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, fuchsias make excellent subjects for macro and close-up photography.
- Floral Arrangements: The drooping flowers of fuchsias can add visual interest and a splash of color to cut flower arrangements.
- Symbolic Gifts: Fuchsias can be symbolic presents as they are often associated with good taste and confiding love, making them suitable for certain occasions.
- Craft Supplies: Dried fuchsia flowers can be incorporated into potpourris or used in making soaps and candles.
- Festive Decor: During certain holidays, such as Christmas, fuchsias with red and green coloration can be used as living festive decorations.
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 fuchsia is sometimes considered a symbol of gracefulness, particularly in challenging or delicate situations, due to its elegant flowers that dangle with poise.
- Confiding Love: The fuchsia's intricate and somewhat secretive blossoms may represent a deep, personal love that is shared intimately between two people.
- Good Taste: Known for its beautiful flowers and color combinations, the fuchsia can symbolize having good taste or appreciation for aesthetics and beauty.
- Overflowing Abundance: With its prolific blooms that can adorn the plant during the flowering season, fuchsias are often associated with abundance and overflowing blessings.
WaterFuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, should be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically spring through summer, Lady's Eardrops prefers consistent moisture and may need watering two to three times a week, with about 16 ounces of water each time, depending on the weather conditions. Reduce the frequency to once a week during the cooler months, providing enough water to keep the soil slightly damp. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
LightLady's Eardrops thrive in bright, indirect light but should be protected from intense, direct afternoon sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight with dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to grow leggy.
TemperatureLady's Eardrops prefer a temperature range between 55°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F, but should not be subjected to freezing conditions. The ideal range ensures vibrant growth and flowering, so keep the plant away from drafts and extreme heat sources.
PruningPruning Lady's Eardrops encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering. Prune in early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged growth. Throughout the growing season, pinch back tips after flowering to promote bushiness. After the last flowers in autumn, a more thorough pruning prepares the plant for its resting period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Ladies' Eardrops should be moist, well-draining with loamy texture, comprised of two parts peat and one part perlite or sand to ensure aeration. The ideal soil pH for Ladies' Eardrops is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingLadies' Eardrops should be repotted annually in the spring to encourage robust growth, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients and accommodate the growing root system.
Humidity & MistingLadies' Eardrops thrive in higher humidity levels, preferably between 60-70%, which can be achieved by grouping plants together or using a humidity tray.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Ladies' Eardrops in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Place Ladies' Eardrops outdoor in partial shade, sheltered from wind.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Fuchsia 'Leonora', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, begins with germination, where seeds sprout in moist, warm soil conditions. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, developing a root system and foliage. During the vegetative stage, the plant grows stems and leaves, preparing for flowering. In the reproductive stage, it produces distinctive flowers with pendant-like, tubular shapes in shades of pink, purple, and white. After pollination by hummingbirds or insects, flowers develop into small fruit containing seeds. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in colder climates during winter, reducing metabolic activities until warmer temperatures in spring signal the start of a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Fuchsia 'Leonora', the most popular method of propagation is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Gardeners will select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a segment around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. It's important to make the cut just below a leaf joint and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The pot with the cutting is often placed in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist until roots develop, after which it can be potted on or planted out.
