| Fuchsia splendens | |
| Fuchsia splendens |
A cloud forest Fuchsia bearing some of the tastiest known fruits of any Fuchsia, the fruits having a tart lemony-spice flavor.
Description: A bushy shrub growing to about 3-4ft by 3-4ft wide. The leaves are a bit lighter, duller and larger than many of the more well-known Fuchsia's. Flowers may be borne for the majority of the year and the skinny, cylindrical fruits ripen a few months later. Fruits become soft to the touch and ripen to a whitish color.
Fuchsia splendens in full-flower
Hardiness: Hardy to mild frosts. Hard freezes will probably kill the plant to its main stems or roots, but they are often able to recover.
Growing Environment: Grows best in shade or part-shade. Protect from hot temperatures (above 90F) and in warmer areas it should be kept in a sheltered location. Needs regular water but is not too particular about soil type, so long as it is well-drained.
ripening fruits (still green)
Propagation: By seeds, which average up to 6 weeks to germinate. Cuttings are another common means of propagation.
Uses: Usually planted as an ornamental for its attractive flowers, but the plant is also of value for its edible fruits.
Native Range: Native to cloud forest regions from 6000-9000ft in parts of Southern Mexico.
Fuchsia splendens growing in part-shade location