Botanical information and notes
The genus Fuchsia includes more than a hundred species of shrubs or tree plants belonging to the Onagraceae family. Native to Central and South America, fuchsia was imported to Europe in the early 19th century as an ornamental and house plant. Fuchsia leaves are deciduous and lanceolate, often with a serrated outer margin and a bright green color. The characteristic flowers have a deep, elongated calyx, are pendulous (in some countries they are called “lady’s earrings”) and have double petals. The colors vary from fuchsia (the name of the color derives from the flowers of this plant) to pale pink, passing through intense purple and fiery red. Among more than a hundred species of fuchsia, the most common and cultivated in Europe is Fuchsia magellanica,
For the reproduction of fuchsia, growth by cuttings is usually chosen. In the spring, a branch of about 8-9 centimeters with buds is taken from the mother plant, properly cleaned at the base of superfluous leaves. To facilitate rooting and therefore grafting, it is advisable to use a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in pots filled with universal nutrient soil and draining material such as perlite or vermiculite; the fuchsia indeed fears the stagnation of water, it is thus necessary to take care to offer him a very draining substrate. They should be placed in a well-lit area and hydrated from time to time using a nebulizer. The soil should never be dry, but not soggy either.
Grow fuchsia outdoors
Once the robustness of the stems and roots has been checked, we will opt for a sunny area, facing south, because the fuchsia needs light to be able to develop to the maximum. The substrate will be mixed with other draining components, such as pozzolan or abundant vermiculite. Once planted in the garden, if necessary, a vertical support can be applied to which to tie the plant for the first time. Generally, fuchsia tolerates unfavorable temperatures, but in regions with harsh winters, many varieties do not resist outdoors, so consider the species well planted and, if necessary, provide yourself with a large leaf plastic to protect it from the weather. In summer we will take care of providing abundant watering, while in winter it will not be necessary, otherwise, spray when soil is excessively dry. Pruning is necessary in February-March to thicken the branches and prevent them from growing too high, but fuchsia also lends itself to ornamental hedges of various shapes.
Fuchsia lends itself very well to pot culture, and it can be kept both indoors (provided you place it in a very bright place) and outdoors, on terraces or in greenhouses l ‘winter. The precautions will be the same as those reserved for fuchsias grown in the garden, with the difference that those in pots must be pruned much more frequently and transferred at least every two years to increasingly spacious pots; The root system of Fuchsia, in fact, is complex and tends to grow very large. Fuchsia varieties grown in hanging pots are very common, as many species, especially smaller ones and bushes, tend to grow downwards. The end effect will be vases full of hanging leaves and flowers, ideal for balconies, porches and gazebos.