Trailing Fuchsia
Fuchsia procumbens

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Fuchsia procumbens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.6 m (2ft). 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 monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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 tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Sandy, gravelly or rocky places above the high tide mark, but occasionally covered by extra high tides, North Island.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. It might be edible, but it is not very nice. The fruit is about 18mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plant makes a carpet of growth and can be used for ground cover when spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

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 flower better when grown in a poor sandy soil. This species is only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c, It grows and fruits 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. The plant produces long trailing stems and grows well in hanging baskets. The wild plant can be dioecoius or monoecious, but the form cultivated in Britain is self-fertile. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; East Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. kirkii.