Sarah’s plant of the week has elegant flowers from now through to the first frost, with their rich diversity of lovely hanging lanternlike flowers from pure white to deepest purple. May I introduce the fabulous Fuschia.
The fuschia for me creates evocative memories of coastal drives in Cork and Kerry during summer. And is a worthy addition on its own, in a mixed bed or even used as a summer bedding plant.
Whereas today the focus is on the hardy fuschia, and I shall outline some of the gorgeous varieties in stock now.
Fuchsia ‘Sunray’ is an upright deciduous shrub, with variegated cream and grey-green foliage flushed with pink, and small red and purple flowers. It makes an attractive container plant for a partially shaded spot. This fuchsia can grow up to 60cm in height and 45cm in spread after around 2-5 years. It is best suited to well drained or moist well drained soil. Grows optimally under sun or partial shade.
Fuschia ‘Waveney Surprise’ The vivid pink flowers of Waveney Surprise look striking against its yellow-green foliage. The superb branching habit of this Fuchsias makes for a neat bush making it perfect for containers or in borders.
Fuschia ‘Thalia’ is a vigorous, upright shrub with dark olive-green leaves, tinged purple beneath. In summer and autumn it bears clusters of bright orange-red flowers. Perfect for a pot growing to 75cm in height. Winter protection required
Fuschia ‘Voodoo’ has huge flowers with frilly violet skirts and carmine-red petals. It makes a stunning addition to summer displays and is an excellent choice for hanging baskets as its stems naturally trail. Native to South America, this fuchsia is not fully hardy in the Ireland unless we get one of those wet mild winters.
Fuschia ‘Mrs Popple’ with its scarlet and purple flowers, hang from arching stems from June to October among slender, deep green leaves. This vigorous, single-flowered fuchsia makes a lovely feature plant for a partially shady border. Bushy and upright in habit 100cm height.
And if you don’t fancy growing them do take a trip to Kerry/Cork and see how they make the lanes come alive.