Fuchsia magellanica 'RICCARTONII'

Fuchsias are back in fashion these days, mainly because more and more countries are testing the so-called hardy fuchsias which are aimed to live outdoors, in garden beds and borders. They are usually magellanica hybrids.

Ricartonii is a short, upright shrub with pendent, single flowers that have scarlet tubes and sepals and dark purple corollas. It flowers profusely from early summer until mid autumn. Leaves are opposite, dark green, small.

Grow hardy fuchsias in full sun or partial shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. We have experience excellent hardiness down to -24°only with mulch protection. If you live in colder regions use an old plastic pot to put onto the plant upside down before the autumn rains come to keep the soil around the plant dry. Cover the plant with dry leaves or mulch and put the pot upside down onto the plant. Make sure it has holes for air circulation. Remove the pot in March and uncover the plant from mulch only after frosts. Cut back young plants, or trim lightly older plants.

Fuchsias are not fussy about soil pH. They need well-drained, humus-rich soil. If mulched it is hardy down to approx. -24°C (USDA zone 6), with protection it can take a few degrees lower.

Last update 17-09-2009; 08-09-2011