Hardy fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae

Water

Hardy Fuchsia should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once a week, depending on your climate and the weather conditions. They prefer consistent moisture, so during particularly hot or dry periods, they may need watering twice a week. Provide about one to two gallons per plant for each watering to ensure the moisture reaches the root zone. Adjust the amount and frequency as needed based on rainfall and temperature changes, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

The Hardy Fuchsia thrives in a location with partial shade or filtered sunlight. They can tolerate morning sun but need protection from the intense, direct afternoon sunlight to prevent scorching of leaves. The ideal spot is one where they receive bright but indirect light; an east-facing or north-facing location is often suitable for these conditions.

Temperature

Hardy Fuchsia plants perform best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F, but frost can damage them. The maximum temperature they can handle without stress is around 85°F. They prefer a cooler climate and might need protection from extreme heat during the summer months.

Pruning

Prune Hardy Fuchsia in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading throughout the blooming season promotes more flowers. It is also important to cut back any dead or diseased branches to maintain plant health. Generally, a light pruning each year is sufficient, but if the plant has become overgrown, it can be cut back more severely at this time.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Hardy Fuchsia thrives in a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, peat, and sand, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6 to 7. A good mix is 1 part loam, 1 part peat, and 1 part coarse sand. Mulching helps maintain moisture and protects the roots.

Repotting

Hardy Fuchsias should typically be repotted every two to three years to prevent root-bound conditions and to refresh the soil, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Humidity & Misting

Hardy Fuchsias prefer moderate to high humidity levels, aiming for about 60-70% relative humidity for optimal growth without flowers dropping and leaves wilting.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light, and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae, commonly known as "Lady's eardrops" or "Hardy fuchsia," begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in warm, moist soil conditions. The seedlings then develop into young plants with a characteristic bushy growth habit, comprising oval leaves and a woody structure as they mature. Over time, during the flowering season which generally peaks in the summer months, the plant produces its distinctive pendent flowers with a long tube and sepals that are usually pink to purple and corolla that can be a lighter pink to white. Following pollination, which is often assisted by hummingbirds and other pollinators, the flowers give way to small, dark purple fruits, technically berries, which contain seeds for the next generation. Lady's eardrops may experience a period of dormancy during colder months, especially in temperate climates, but is capable of rebounding in the subsequent growing season if the plant does not succumb to frost. With proper care and in suitable climates, Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae can be a long-lived perennial, adding color and vivacity to gardens for many years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae, commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, is often propagated by softwood cuttings during the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. A popular method begins with choosing a healthy non-flowering shoot and cutting a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cutting may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried. The pot is then placed in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. Ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged is crucial to successful root establishment, which can usually be expected within a few weeks.