Variegated Pink Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' (v)
ABOUT
Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' is a striking ornamental plant notable for its vibrant foliage and alluring flowers. The leaves are a standout feature, presenting a mix of green and white with creamy or yellow variegation that creates a lively, mottled appearance. This variegation pattern can vary from leaf to leaf, giving each one a unique aesthetic. The flowers of this fuchsia are particularly enchanting. They typically appear as elegant, pendulous blooms hanging gracefully from the branches. The blooms are characterized by their layered petals, with the outer sepals often displaying a delicate shade of pink that transitions into a deeper rosy hue or purple at the edges. Enclosed within these sepals, the petals are often a contrasting shade, sometimes a striking purple or even a pure white, surrounding the long, slender stamens that emerge from the center. In addition to the colorful flowers, the plant may produce small, oval-shaped berries that follow the flowers' color palette, ranging in shades of pink to purplish red. The overall appearance of Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' is one of elegant contrast, with the variegated foliage providing a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant, dangling blooms and creating an eye-catching display in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Variegated Pink Fascination Fuchsia, Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination'
Common names
Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming any part of the plant is not advisable. While not typically poisonous, ingestion may potentially cause mild digestive upset in some individuals due to the unfamiliar plant compounds. Serious toxicity or life-threatening symptoms are not commonly associated with the fuchsia plant.
To pets
Fuchsia is also considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it might experience some gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but significant poisoning or long-term consequences are unlikely. As with any non-food item, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it is advisable to monitor for any signs of distress and consult with a veterinarian as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central and South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' adds vibrant colors and dynamic contrast to gardens with its variegated leaves and striking pink flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: It draws in beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting a healthy and biodiverse garden environment.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and hanging baskets, this plant is ideal for balconies, patios, and other small spaces.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various landscaping designs, such as border plants or as a part of mixed flower arrangements.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety can flourish in partially shaded areas, where many other flowering plants might struggle to grow.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia can be used as a natural dye, where the blossoms impart a subtle pink hue to fabrics or paper when used in the dyeing process.
- In sugarcraft, the flowers of Fuchsia can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- With proper training and pruning, Fuchsia can be shaped into bonsai form, providing an artistic hobby and a decorative element for enthusiasts.
- The pendulous flowers of Fuchsia can be used in hanging frozen ice sculptures for a floral aesthetic in cold presentation buffets or events.
- Fuchsia can be included in potpourri mixes for their color and texture, although they are not known for a strong fragrance.
- The plant can be used as a living mulch in gardens, where its dense foliage helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Cuttings from Fuchsia can be rooted in water and used to educate children and beginners about plant propagation methods.
- Fuchsia flowers can serve as delicate natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, adding a splash of color that is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- The branches of Fuchsia can provide structure for emerging climbing plants in the garden, offering support until the climbers are established.
- Fuchsia's vivid blooms can inspire artists and photographers, lending their striking colors to various visual arts and crafts.
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: Fuchsia plants are often associated with confiding love, where the hanging blooms can be seen as a symbol for trust and confidences shared between lovers.
- Elegance and Good Taste: The unique appearance and grace of the Fuchsia flower represent elegance and refinement, suggesting a person of good taste and sophistication.
- Amiability: The bright colors and inviting shape of the Fuchsia flowers can symbolize friendliness and warmth, representing an amiable and approachable person.
WaterTo keep your Fuchsia, also known as Variegated Pink Fascination, healthy, water it regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. It’s best to water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will mean watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. When you do water, apply enough to soak the soil thoroughly, which could be around 16 to 32 ounces for a pot of 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Always ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightFuchsias, including Variegated Pink Fascination, prefer bright but indirect light. They thrive in conditions where they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, making an east or north-facing window a good spot indoors. If grown outdoors, dappled shade or a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf burn.
TemperatureFuchsias, such as Variegated Pink Fascination, enjoy a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 55°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40°F; however, they are not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below this. The ideal conditions would keep them away from both cold drafts and hot air vents to maintain stable temperature levels.
PruningPruning your Fuchsia, the Variegated Pink Fascination, promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or weak stems to encourage healthy growth and shape the plant. Pruning can be done again lightly after the initial flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom period in the same growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' prefers a moist, well-draining soil mix, high in organic matter. A suitable mix could be composed of one part peat, one part loam, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingFuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' should be repotted annually or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingFuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 70%. It is important to maintain consistent humidity to support its growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in dappled shade and protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination', commonly known as the variegated fuchsia, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where under suitable conditions, the seeds sprout roots and shoots. The seedlings then develop into young plants with characteristic variegated leaves and the capacity to flower in optimal growing conditions. Following an initial juvenile phase, the mature variegated fuchsia enters a vigorous vegetative stage where it experiences robust stem and leaf growth, and it begins to produce its distinctive drooping, pink and purple flowers. After pollination by hummingbirds or insects, the flowers develop into small, dark-colored berries (fruits) that contain seeds for the next generation. The variegated fuchsia can have several flowering cycles within a growing season, depending on the climate. As a perennial, it enters a dormancy phase in response to cooler temperatures or environmental stress, during which growth slows or ceases until conditions are favorable again, thus continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Fuchsia 'Variegated Pink Fascination', commonly known as fuchsia, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is generally performed in late spring to early summer when the plant is growing vigorously. To propagate, a healthy non-flowering shoot is selected and cut below a leaf joint or node, typically about 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) in length. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. It's then placed in a well-draining potting mix, where the cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new fuchsia plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors or into a larger pot for continued growth.
