Peruvian Fuschia, Peruvian Berrybush, Vine fuchsia,
Fuchsia corymbiflora
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
Fuchsia corymbiflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.6 m (11ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 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. 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): 3.6
Where it is found
Amongst moist shrubs or along the banks of streams in elevated cloud forests.
S. America - Peru.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Andes, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America, Tasmania,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw. A juicy berry, it tastes of ripe figs. Very pleasant eating, it does not have the after-taste that many fuchsia fruits have. The fruit can be up to 12mm long and 10mm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil. Requires a moist position. Prefers semi-shade and a sheltered site. Succeeds in a good loam if leafmold and sand are added. This species requires a minimum winter temperature of 5°c in order to succeed, it does well in a cool conservatory. Plants have survived outdoors on our trial ground in Cornwall since 1992, with no losses even in colder winters. The plants die down in late autumn and will start to regrow during mild spells in the winter and spring. This new growth is usually killed by the next period of cold weather, but this does not seem to cause lasting damage, the plants growing away well in late spring. It is a good idea to apply a good mulch of organic matter as soon as the plant dies down, so that the roots are protected from any periods of severe cold. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A good bee plant.
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. Plants have a tuberous root system and produce suckers. These can be removed and potted up at any time during the growing season. Keep them in a greenhouse for at least their first winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; East Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist