Fuchsia colensoi
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
Fuchsia colensoi is a deciduous Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Not known
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. A juicy berry, it is sweet but astringent. Sap - sweet. Obtained by cutting a length of branch and sucking out the sap. It is not produced very freely.
Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A purple dye is obtained from the plant (the part is not specified, though it is likely to be the pollen). It makes a good ink. The pollen is bright blue and was used by the Maoris as a face powder. Wood - very strong and durable with an attractive grain, but hard to work. Used for making small items.
Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Ink: Plants that can be used as an ink.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil. Prefers semi-shade and a sheltered position. Does well in woodland conditions. Plants are only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain, they grow well in Cornwall where they can attain a large size. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. A very variable species, it is closely related to F. excorticata and considered by some authorities to be a naturally occurring hybrid with that species. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe though it can also be sown in the spring. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination should take place in less than 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long, May/June in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts. Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above. Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist