Creeping Fuchsia Fuchsia procumbens
ABOUT
Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as the creeping fuchsia, has a unique and striking appearance that distinguishes it from other garden plants. This species features small, rounded, green leaves that are somewhat succulent in texture and are arranged closely together on its trailing stems, giving it a lush and full look. The leaves have a glossy finish that catches and reflects the sunlight, enhancing its vibrant presence in a garden setting. One of the most remarkable features of the creeping fuchsia is its unusual flowers. The blossoms are unlike the typical hanging, tubular flowers of other fuchsias. Instead, creeping fuchsia flowers are upward-facing and have a flat appearance. The petals radiate outwards and are typically a lovely shade of yellow with hints of green, often edged in a reddish or pinkish hue, providing a beautiful contrast against the green foliage. At the center of each bloom, stamens tipped with blue pollen extend outward, adding an additional pop of unexpected color. After the flowering period, the creeping fuchsia produces small, non-edible berries that change from green to a dark purple or nearly black hue upon ripening. These berries contribute further visual interest to the plant and can provide a food source for birds, adding an ecological benefit to its ornamental value. The creeping fuchsia's growth habit, vibrant flowers, and attractive berries together create a delightful display for garden enthusiasts and onlookers, making it a charming addition to any suitable plant setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
Trailing Fuchsia, Creeping Fuchsia, Climbing Fuchsia, Prostrate Fuchsia.
Common names
Fuchsia kirkii, Fuchsia prostrata.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as creeping fuchsia, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of the plant, particularly in large amounts, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always best to avoid eating any part of an ornamental plant due to potential unknown toxicity or individual allergic reactions.
To pets
Creeping fuchsia is also not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. However, similar to humans, its ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea in sensitive animals. Always monitor your pets around houseplants and discourage them from nibbling on non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Fuchsia procumbens, also known as creeping fuchsia, is appreciated for its unique and colorful flowers which add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Ground Cover: As a low-growing plant, it effectively covers bare spots in gardens, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers are known to attract pollinating insects such as bees, which is beneficial to the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Creeping fuchsia is relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a range of environmental conditions, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and hanging baskets, providing versatility in garden design and space utilization.
- Wildlife Habitat: It offers shelter and a source of food for certain insects, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia procumbens can be trained as a bonsai, offering a unique aesthetic for enthusiasts with its delicate arching growth and colorful berries.
- The creeping fuchsia serves as a ground cover in shaded gardens, helping to suppress weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
- This plant is an attractive option for hanging baskets, with its trailing habit and frequent blooms adding vibrancy to patios and balconies.
- The nectar-rich flowers of Fuchsia procumbens are a food source for butterflies, making it an ideal plant for butterfly gardens.
- The edible fruit can be used in culinary applications, such as making jellies or garnishes, adding a subtle tart flavor to various dishes.
- In colder climates, creeping fuchsia can be grown as an annual or moved indoors during winter, providing year-round interest as a houseplant.
- Fuchsia procumbens can be used in coastal gardens as it is relatively tolerant to salt sprays and sandy soils.
- As a photography subject, the unique flowers and berries of the creeping fuchsia provide an interesting focus for macro photography.
- The plant can be incorporated into educational gardens to teach about plant reproduction, due to its easily observable flower and fruit development.
- Fuchsia procumbens can be used in crafting, such as pressing its flowers for use in handmade paper or botanical prints.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Confiding Love: The fuchsia flower, with its delicate hanging blooms, often symbolizes confiding love. It's associated with trust and the revelation of personal feelings.
- Good Taste: Because of the fuchsia's elegant and unique appearance, it can represent good taste, making it a perfect gift to compliment someone's aesthetic or decor sense.
- Ardent Love: The rich colors of fuchsia imply a depth of emotion, thus they are often linked to fervent or ardent love.
- Amiability: The welcoming shape and soft texture of the fuchsia bloom are reminiscent of amiability and warmth in personality.
- Overflowing Abundance: The fuchsia plant often has numerous flowers blooming at once, which can symbolically represent overflowing abundance, prosperity, or bountifulness in one's life.
WaterCreeping Fuchsia prefers consistent moisture, so it should be watered regularly, but with care to avoid waterlogging. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate and soil drainage. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy, as Creeping Fuchsia does not like to sit in water. In the winter months, reduce the amount of water as the plant’s growth slows down.
LightCreeping Fuchsia thrives in bright, indirect light. It's best to place the plant in a spot where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the leaves, so a spot with dappled sunlight or behind a sheer curtain would be ideal.
TemperatureCreeping Fuchsia grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporary dips down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. For optimal growth, avoid locations where temperatures drop below this range or exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme temperatures can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningTo maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, Creeping Fuchsia should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done every year or every other year, depending on the plant's growth and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCreeping Fuchsia requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6 to 7. A mix of peat, perlite, and loam is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingCreeping Fuchsia should be repotted every two to three years to replenish its soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingCreeping Fuchsia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%. Consistently maintaining this range will support healthy growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and high humidity for indoor Creeping Fuchsia.
Outdoor
Grow in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds, and keep soil moist for outdoor Creeping Fuchsia.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Creeping Fuchsia (Fuchsia procumbens) starts with seed germination, occurring in warm, moist soil in partial to full shade, where tiny seedlings emerge. Once established, the seedlings grow into a mat-forming perennial with trailing stems, creeping along the ground or other surfaces. The plant produces distinct small, yellow and green flowers followed by developing elongated, red fruits. Over time, the Creeping Fuchsia, which is evergreen in mild climates, will spread and can be propagated by cuttings to create new plants. After several years, the plant may become woody and less vigorous. The life cycle can continue as new seeds are produced and dispersed, starting the process again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as trailing fuchsia, can be propagated through softwood cuttings during the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. This popular method involves cutting a 3 to 5 inch (roughly 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) length of stem with a couple of leaves attached. It's important to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is where the rooting hormones are most concentrated. The lower leaves are then removed and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mixture of half peat and half perlite. Covering the pot with a plastic bag helps to retain humidity, which is crucial for root formation. Keep the potted cutting in indirect light and maintain the moisture level until roots have developed, usually within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
