Fuchsia magellanica - Hardy Fuchsia - Seeds

Description

• Onagraceae Myrtales
• Chile, Argentina
• H3m x L2m
•  Z5 
• Perennial
• Synonyms: Rustic Fuchsia, Fuchsia gracilis, Fuchsia macrostemma, Fuchsia riccartonii, Pope's Jasmine, Queen's Pendants
• 1 packet of 30 seeds

-

Details

Bush 2-3 m high and 2 m wide, with thin stems growing from a woody stump, along which dark green leaves alternate

Fuchsia magellanica grows as far as Tierra del Fuego, therefore is hardy

It will lose its leaves in winter

Hardy Fuchsia is an imposing shrub, to be grown in open ground, and left in place all year round - unlike most fuchsias which must be wintered away from frost

In September, October, and even November, the Magellan Fuchsia offers spectacular flowering, covered with a phenomenal quantity of flowers in fine and graceful, drooping bells, grouped in whorls along the stems

Their weight causes the branches to bend, giving the plant a slightly weeping appearance at this time of year

The flowers attract many pollinating insects with its nectar

Each flower measures approximately 5cm, and is carried by a long and very thin peduncle

Its 4 long, pointed sepals open crosswise; They are magenta to bright fuchsia

Its 4 petals are short and form a tubular corolla; They are purple to deep violet

Hanging under the flower, a long pistil surrounded by 8 stamens at the end of long filaments contribute to giving the flower its graceful character

Following flowers, small berries appear, 2cm long, black, juicy, sweet, edible but with no interesting aroma

Fuchsia magellanica would have some medicinal properties: Diuretic, Febrifuge

-

Cultivation

Sow in spring, in boxes or pots, warm, sunny, humid

Transplant the seedlings when they can be handled, into growing pots

Place in the ground during the summer or in autumn, or even the following spring, depending on the growth

First flowering from seed: 2nd year

Fuchsia magellanica appreciates full sun, but during the planting year, be sure to water regularly so that it can set its network of roots

In the subsequent years, this precaution is unnecessary except in very dry climates

Prune the branches to 1/3 at the end of winter, and eliminate the dead parts

In the event of severe frost, the branches will probably die to ground level (the Hardy Fuchsia will grow back from its stump)

Wait spring with new growth to prune all dead branches

In very cold regions, the stump can be protected with winter covering