Shrubby fuchsia
Fuchsia paniculata
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
Fuchsia paniculata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. 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.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
Cloud forests.
Southern N. America to C. America - Mexico to Panama.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. A juicy berry, it is about 9mm long and 7mm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil. Succeeds in a good loam if sand and leafmold are added. This species is only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain, it grows well in Cornwall. 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. Plants are gynodioecious or nearly dioecious. 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; Shady Edge; East Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist