Fuchsia microphylla
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
Fuchsia microphylla is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Open places in oak and pine woods in Hidalgo. Mexico, Michoacan and Jalisco Counties.
Southern N. America - Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw. A juicy berry with a nice flavour, but it is usually rather small. The fruit can be up to 1.5cm in diameter according to one report, but this is much larger than we have ever seen it.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil. Succeeds in a good loam if sand and leafmold are added. Plants grow best in cool summer conditions with good light. A plant at Heligan gardens in Cornwall is thriving and fruiting well in the fairly deep shade of a woodland garden. This species is hardy in many parts of Britain according to some reports, though others say that it is best grown in a greenhouse. A plant growing in a sheltered position outside a greenhouse at Oxford Botanical Gardens seems to be hardy there. Since Oxford experiences lots of frosts and usually some snow in the winter, this suggests that it is possible to grow this species in many parts of Britain, especially if grown against a wall. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A good bee plant. A polymorphic species, a number of sub-species are recognised.
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; Shady Edge; East Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist