Iochroma fuchsioides
A fast-growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial, related to Brugmansia, with green foliage, best suited to a conservatory or greenhouse but can be grown outside against a sheltered wall. Clusters of long, trumpet-shaped flame-red flowers appear from May to July
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Iochroma are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple, pointed, oval leaves. The nodding or hanging tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers may be purple, blue, red, white or yellow and are followed by pulpy berries enclosed in a large calyx
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Andes
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, but well-drained soil in bright, filtered light, in a conservatory or greenhouse, although will tolerate some shade. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. If grown outside, plant in a sheltered part of the garden against a warm, sunny wall. Suitable for pots and containers which can be brought into a conservatory or greenhouse over winter
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings or propagate by seed sown in fine, well-draining potting compost. Place pots in a warm room in filtered sunlight - germination will normally take aroudn 6 weeks
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to keep neat, but can be cut back hard, even to ground level, to encourage a compact shape and bushy habit
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to Fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt
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