Fuchsia denticulata
| Fuchsia denticulata | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 10 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 13' |
| Width: | 13' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Fuchsia denticulata
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[1] though it can also be sown in the spring[2]. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out[1]. 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[3][K]. 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[K].
Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[K].
Cultivation: Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil[1]. Succeeds in a good loam if sand and leafmold are added[2].
This species is frost-tender in Britain, though it can succeed in a cold greenhouse. It might succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if given the protection of a wall[K]. Another report says that it is totally intolerant of frost[4], though we feel that this might be a misprint[K]. 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[K].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5].
A good bee plant[6]. This species has a long tubular flower and is pollinated by humming birds in the wild[4].
Range: S. America - Peru, Bolivia.
Habitat: Moist canyons in cloud forests and in mountain scrub at elevations of 2,000 - 3,600 metres[4].
Edibility: Fruit - raw[7]. A juicy berry, it has a nice slightly acid flavour[K]. The fruit can be up to 25mm long and 12mm wide[1].
Pollinators: Insects, birds
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: F. serratifolia.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association, 1981.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.