Common Name: Fuchsia

General Information

Fuchsia magellanica is a deciduous shrub usually growing up to 2.5 metres tall, though in shady, sheltered positions it can reach 5 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and dye. It is often grown as an ornamental, where selected cultivars can be used as a hedge or as a ground cover.
Often grown as an ornamental, the plant has escaped from cultivations and become naturalized in several countries including the UK, Australia and New Zealand. A rapidly developing plant, it tends to dominate native plant species. It forms thickets, the very dense foliage intercepting light and thus limiting the development of native understorey plants[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern S. America. - central and southern Chile, Argentina

Habitat

Forest clearings and margins, especially in mixed evergreen/deciduous woods[]. Forming thickets along streamsides or in marshy places[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects, Humming birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Fuchsia magellanica is possibly the hardiest of the many species of Fuchsia. In the milder regions of the temperate zone the plant can develop a large, woody frame and tolerate occasional temperatures falling as low as about -10°c[]. In somewhat colder zones the top growth can be cut right back to the ground in severe winters but the plants usually recover well, resprouting from the base and growing away quickly in the late spring then flowering by middle to late summer[]. 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[].
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers cool moist conditions and some shade[, ]. Succeeds in a good loam if leafmold and sand are added[]. This species is very resistant to maritime exposure, it can be grown right on the coast[, ].
Fuchsia species flower and fruit mainly on new wood produced in the same growing season. Any pruning, therefore, is best carried out at the start of the growing season, cutting out old wood in order to encourage vigorous new growth[].
The sub-species Fuchsia magellanica myrtifolia often bears a very large crop of fruit on our land in Cornwall, Uk (hardiness zone 8)[].
The cultivar 'Ricartonii' can be hardy fairly well north in Britain. A lovely specimen 3 metres tall was seen growing in dappled shade of trees in the Monastery Gardens in York[].
A very ornamental plant, it is a parent of most of the hardy ornamental fuchsia varieties[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
Plants are pollinated by humming birds in the wild, they are good bee plants in Britain[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A juicy berry[], it is not very palatable[, ]. The oblong fruit is up to 22mm long[].

Medicinal

The leaves and bark are diuretic and febrifuge[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Very resistant of maritime exposure and tolerant of trimming the plant makes a good informal hedge in mild maritime areas[, , ]. The variety 'Riccartonii' is commonly used[].
The cultivar 'Prostrata' forms a carpet of growth and can be used as a ground cover when planted about 60cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

A black dye is obtained from the wood[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[] though it can also be sown in the spring[]. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out[]. 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/early summer in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take[, ]. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts.
Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above[].
Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[].