Our Propagation Farm has a number of specialty plants that the staff there have long perfected the art and science of growing, and a longtime customer and staff favorite are the Fuchsias*. Perfect for Mother’s Day (and for any other day), these dazzling plants with an extended bloom time bring exotic beauty to dappled shady areas.
We carry two basic types of Fuchsias: trailing and upright. Farm staff lovingly plant the trailing, creeping types in hanging baskets. They can also be used in window boxes. We also bring in upright Fuchsias whenever possible, which have a shrubby habit and bring a unique twist to garden beds and borders – they also combine well with Angel Wing Begonias, Coleus, and/or Torenia. Both types of Fuchsias come in a range of flower colors and can bloom until frost.
After the flowers drop off, dark berries will develop. Flowers, berries, and foliage are edible and the entire plant is considered to be non-toxic, making Fuchsias excellent choices for gardens where children and pets may be present. While excessive consumption may bring digestive upset, these plants are not poisonous, and they have been a food source for indigenous peoples in numerous countries.
Most wild Fuchsias are native to higher elevations in Central and South America, where the climate is relatively cool and moist. Here in Western North Carolina, they are happiest in a space with morning sunlight and afternoon shade, with consistent moisture and cooler temperatures. They love diluted fish and seaweed emulsion every two weeks. After blooming, they can be deadheaded with clean snips, small shears, or flower scissors which can help promote a bushier form and more flowers.
The Fuchsias we carry are located in our Annual Department. They are actually tender perennials, meaning that while they will live year round outdoors in other climates, but they will not survive life outdoors here in WNC year round.
*Fuchsias are named after Leonhart Fuchs, a famous German doctor in the 1500s who extensively studied plants. Although the proper spelling for these plants, based off his name, is Fuchsias (note the placement of the letter C), we generally pronounce this in English as “fyu-sha” and this leads to some confusion. Sometimes you may see the name accidentally misspelled as Fuschia.
