Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' (d)
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' is a particularly charming variety of fuchsia, featuring a distinctive color palette and flower formation. The plant is known for its exquisite blooms that hang gracefully like elaborate ear pendants from the branches. These blossoms are a blend of soft pink and muted purple hues, typically with a two-toned effect. The outer petals, or sepals, often reveal a lighter pink shade, while the inner skirt, known as the corolla, showcases a deeper purple or violet tone. In addition to the striking flowers, the foliage of Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' provides a lush backdrop that complements its floral display. The leaves are generally dark green, sometimes with a subtle hint of bronze or purple veining, adding to the plant's overall elegance. The foliage is arranged along the stems in a slightly overlapping pattern which can create a full and vibrant appearance. As the plant matures, it develops a splayed, bushy growth habit, with numerous flowering stems that cascade or trail depending on their support. This aspect makes it a popular choice for hanging baskets and container displays where the pendulous flowers can be fully appreciated. The graceful drooping of flowers and foliage alike contributes to a romantic, almost whimsical aesthetic that is often associated with the fuchsia genus. The 'Tennessee Waltz' flowers gracefully from early summer to the first frosts, and during its blooming season, it can become a hub of activity for pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, which are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. With the right care and placement, this fuchsia variety is a delightful addition to any garden, creating a cascade of color and an enchanting visual spectacle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Lady's Eardrops, Fuchsia
Common names
Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz'
ToxicityTo humans
The Fuchsia plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
To pets
The Fuchsia plant is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe and isn't associated with poisoning if pets happen to ingest it. Despite its non-toxic status, it's still advisable to prevent pets from consuming plant material to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset or other issues related to the ingestion of non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' features attractive, pendulous flowers that add aesthetic value to any garden or landscape.
- Hummingbird Attractor: Its vibrant flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, providing natural pollination and adding lively activity.
- Extended Blooming: This plant often has a long flowering season, from spring through fall, offering sustained visual interest.
- Versatility: It can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or in-ground, making it suitable for various garden designs and spaces.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Tennessee Waltz' can thrive in partial shade, providing color and life to less sunny areas of the garden.
- Easy Pruning: It responds well to pruning, which can be helpful for maintaining the desired shape and promoting healthy growth.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle hues to textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The blooms of fuchsias can be crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance.
- Fuchsia flowers can be infused in vinegar to create a visually striking and slightly acidic condiment for salads and other dishes.
- When dried and pressed, the distinctive flowers of fuchsias can be used for botanical art and craft projects like greeting cards and bookmarks.
- The plant can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, who may be drawn to its vibrant colors and unique hanging blooms.
- Fuchsias can be planted in outdoor sensory gardens to attract hummingbirds, which provide an opportunity for bird watching and nature photography.
- These plants can be incorporated in educational programs at botanical gardens to teach about pollination and the attraction between flowers and pollinators.
- The Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' can be used in themed garden designs, where its elegant form and colorations play a significant role in creating a Victorian or cottage garden aesthetic.
- Its striking appearance makes it an excellent candidate for use in floral arrangements, particularly in hanging baskets or as a focal point in larger displays.
- Used in horticultural therapy, fuchsias can help individuals develop nurturing skills and reduce stress through the process of caring for plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance: Fuchsia plants, known for their delicate hanging flowers and graceful form, often symbolize elegance and good taste.
- Amiability: With their rich colors and inviting appearance, fuchsias can represent warmth, friendliness, and approachability.
- Confiding love: The hanging blossoms of the fuchsia may suggest trust and a willingness to confide in someone, often relating to matters of the heart.
- Overflowing abundance: Fuchsia plants are prolific bloomers, symbolizing abundance, joy, and a celebratory mood, often associated with festive occasions.
WaterFuchsias, including the 'Tennessee Waltz', require consistent moisture and should be watered about two to three times a week during the growing season. It is best to water these plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. When watering, it's important to soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, which might be around one to two gallons per week, depending on the plant size and environmental conditions. However, avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot. Reduce the frequency of watering in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightThe 'Tennessee Waltz' Fuchsia thrives in bright, indirect light. It is ideal to place them in a spot where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade, as the hot, direct sunlight of the afternoon can scorch their leaves. Partial shade is optimal for these plants, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureFuchsias like 'Tennessee Waltz' prefer cooler climates and do best in temperatures ranging between 55°F to 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F, but frost can be fatal to them. To ensure a healthy plant, keep it away from extreme heat and protect it from temperatures exceeding 80°F.
PruningPruning your 'Tennessee Waltz' Fuchsia helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak branches and trim back about a third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Pruning can be done again lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6 and 7. A good mix would consist of 1 part peat moss, 1 part loam, and 1 part perlite or fine bark to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingFuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' generally requires repotting every year or two, during the spring season before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingFuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, preferably between 60% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in dappled shade, protect from strong winds and harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
6-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz' begins its life cycle with germination from seed or propagation through cuttings. Once the plant establishes its root system, it enters a period of vegetative growth where leaves and stems develop. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive pendulous flowers with a combination of pink and purple hues, typically in the spring and summer months. Following pollination by hummingbirds or insects attracted to its nectar, the plant may produce small fruit, which contain seeds allowing for the continuation of the species. Throughout its lifespan, the 'Tennessee Waltz' requires consistent moisture and partial shade conditions to thrive. As winter approaches, the plant may enter a dormancy period, especially in cooler climates, and then regrow from its rootstock or overwintered cuttings with the return of favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Fuchsia 'Tennessee Waltz', commonly known as Fuchsia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. To propagate, a healthy stem of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long, just below a leaf node, is cut using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed into a pot filled with a moistened mix of peat and perlite or a similar lightweight, well-draining propagation medium. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment, out of direct sunlight, ensuring that the medium remains damp but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually accustomed to less humidity and eventually potted up into regular potting soil.
