| Honeysuckle Fuchsia | |
| Fuchsia triphylla |
A long, tubular-flowered Fuchsia having some passing similarities to the stunning F. boliviana in its flower shape drooping habit. This species is sometimes used in breeding and there are some named varieties with variants in flower color.
Description: Medium sized tree to 15-25ft. Growth is in a spreading, somewhat shrubby habit.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's (F), though protection should be provided for long temperature spells below 32F.
Growing Environment: Grows quite well in shady or part-sun environments, as well as foggy areas. Bolivian Fuchsia also thrives in cooler, subtropical-like environments. Protect from direct sun, and temperatures exceeding 100F. Nitrogen fertilizing during growing season can promote vigorous growth and the plant tends to like soil a bit on the acid side, down to pH 6.0. Optimum growing temperature range is between 55-75F.
Propagation: By seed; germination can be erratic but generally occurs in after at least a month. By softwood cuttings.
Uses: Fruits are eaten raw, but the plant is most commonly grown for its ornamental flowers. There are several varieties, but two of the more notable are the red, and white colored types. Flowers are borne in clumps, and cover the tree for most of the year.
Native Range: Southern Peru, Bolivian, Northern Argentina.
Local Adaptation
California - Grows particularly well in coastal parts of California up to the San Francisco Bay Area.