Fuchsia procumbens
| Fuchsia procumbens | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Fuchsia procumbens (common name: trailing fuchsia)
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]. Plants flower better when grown in a poor sandy soil[4].
This species is only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c[5], It grows and fruits well in Cornwall[6]. 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].
The plant produces long trailing stems and grows well in hanging baskets[5].
The wild plant can be dioecoius or monoecious, but the form cultivated in Britain is self-fertile[6].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[7].
A good bee plant[8].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Sandy, gravelly or rocky places above the high tide mark, but occasionally covered by extra high tides, North Island[9].
Edibility: Fruit - raw. It might be edible, but it is not very nice[K]. The fruit is about 18mm in diameter[1].
Usage: The plant makes a carpet of growth and can be used for ground cover when spaced about 60cm apart each way[10].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Flower Type: Monoecious
Also Known As: F. kirkii.
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.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association, 1981.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.