Hardy fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica 'Thompsonii'
ABOUT
The Fuchsia magellanica 'Thompsonii' is a strikingly beautiful plant known commonly as the hardy fuchsia. It is characterized by its drooping, tubular flowers which display an exquisite combination of deep pink and purple hues. The petals are deep pink, creating a lovely contrast with the purple-toned, elongated sepals that extend gracefully beyond the petals. The flowers dangle elegantly like small lanterns and are known to attract hummingbirds with their vivid colors and nectar. In addition to the attractive flowers, the hardy fuchsia exhibits lush, green foliage. The leaves are typically oval-shaped with a slight serration on the edges, giving them a delicate texture. During the growing season, the plant is densely clad with these leaves, which provide a rich backdrop for the ornamental flowers. The hardy fuchsia's overall form is bushy and well-branched, creating a full, lush appearance that makes it an attractive addition to garden borders or as a specimen plant. Its visual appeal is enhanced when it is in full bloom, with the combination of its vibrant flowers and verdant leaves offering a delightful display of color and form. This plant's ability to add a splash of tropical flair to temperate gardens is a key reason for its popularity among gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Fuchsia, Hummingbird Fuchsia, Lady's Eardrops
Common names
Fuchsia discolor, Fuchsia macrostemma, Fuchsia magellanica var. macrostemma, Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae, Fuchsia magellanica var. riccartonii, Fuchsia magellanica var. thompsonii
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia, commonly referred to by this name, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, there are generally no symptoms of poisoning to describe as it does not pose a significant threat if ingested.
To pets
Fuchsia is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets as well. This means that ingestion of the Fuchsia plant typically should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences in pets such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Chile Argentina
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Fuchsia magellanica 'Thompsonii' is well known for its attractive, pendulous flowers that add striking visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are a nectar source that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Long blooming period: This cultivar often has a long flowering season, which can provide color and interest in the garden from late spring into the fall.
- Versatility in gardening: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
- Tolerates partial shade: It can grow in a range of light conditions, including areas with filtered light or partial shade, which is ideal for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Low maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring only regular watering and occasional feeding during the growing season.
- Easy to propagate: The plant can be readily propagated through cuttings, making it easy to multiply and share with other gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Fuchsia can be used to produce a beautiful purple dye for fabrics when treated with alum as a mordant.
- Ink production: The fuchsia berries can be used as a source of pigment for making natural inks used in art.
- Educational tool: Fuchsia plants can be used to teach botany and horticulture due to the unique structure of their flowers and their growth habits.
- Bonsai: They can be trained as bonsai plants for ornamental purposes.
- Culinary garnish: The striking flowers of the fuchsia plant can be used as an edible decoration to embellish salads and desserts.
- Butterfly gardens: Planting fuchsias attracts butterflies, which helps to pollinate the garden and contributes to the local ecosystem.
- Photography: The vibrant colors and intricate flowers serve as excellent subjects for photographers, especially for macro photography.
- Craft Supplies: Dried fuchsia flowers can be used in craft projects, such as in making potpourri or embedding in candles.
- Floral arrangements: The long-lasting fuchsia flowers can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
- Beverage infusion: Some species of fuchsia can be used to infuse water or spirits, adding a unique flavor and color to the beverage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hardy Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hardy Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confiding Love: The delicate teardrop shape of fuchsia flowers can symbolize tears, turning this interpretation into a message of trust and confiding love when given to a loved one.
- Elegance and Good Taste: Fuchsias are often associated with elegance and refinement, perhaps due to the intricate beauty and vibrant colors of their blossoms.
- Amiability: With their graceful appearance and presence in many traditional cottage gardens, fuchsias can represent friendliness, warmth and approachability.
WaterHardy fuchsia requires consistent moisture, and it's important to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, it might need watering every week, receiving about 1 to 2 gallons of water for established plants depending on climate and weather conditions. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant. Apply water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage.
LightHardy fuchsia thrives in partial shade, particularly appreciating protection from the hot afternoon sun. The best spot for the plant is one where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Bright, indirect light will promote abundant flowering without the risk of leaf burn.
TemperatureHardy fuchsia performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it reasonably cold hardy. However, temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing can stress the plant. The ideal temperature conditions are cool to mild temperatures, avoiding extremes of heat or cold.
PruningPrune hardy fuchsia in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or weak branches and cut back about a quarter to a third of the old wood to stimulate new growth and flower production. Once established, fuchsia should be pruned annually. Pruning at the correct time helps prevent damage to new shoots that emerge as the weather warms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHardy Fuchsia prefers a rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7. A good soil mix includes loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingHardy Fuchsia should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil. Choose slightly larger pots to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingHardy Fuchsia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%, to replicate its native humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Provide partial shade, shelter from wind, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleFuchsia magellanica 'Thompsonii', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, starts its life cycle from seed germination, which takes place in moist, well-drained soil typically in spring. The emerging seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic drooping, tubular flowers that can range in colors and a bushy growth habit. Over the growing season, it matures and establishes a strong root system, reaching up to 10 feet in height in optimal conditions. The hardy fuchsia reaches full bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds which facilitate cross-pollination. As temperatures cool in the fall, hardy fuchsia prepares for dormancy by dropping leaves; in mild climates, it may remain evergreen, while in colder regions it dies back to the ground. Hardy fuchsia can then resprout from the base in the spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
Fuchsia magellanica 'Thompsonii', commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, can be propagated most popularly by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in the late spring or early summer when the plant’s new growth is green and flexible. To propagate through this method, a gardener would take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from the tips of the plant, making sure each cutting has several sets of leaves. After removing the lower leaves, the cut end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, keeping them moist and covered with plastic to maintain humidity. Roots usually form within 3 to 4 weeks after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
