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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubs

Fuchsia boliviana ambig.

Bolivian fuchsia ambig.

A tender, rare evergreen shrub to around 4m in height with large, lush green elliptic leaves and pendent panicles of slender-tubed waxy bright red and white flowers in late summer to autumn, followed by edible red fruits, with a flavour similar to kiwi fruit but not as sweet. Grow in a conservatory or greenhouse, providing a tropical feel

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red White Green
Autumn Red White Green Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Although Fuchsia berries are edible, most are not particularly tasty and are sparsely produced on plants. Fuchsia plants are generally grown as an ornamental and not for fruit crops within the UK
Genus

Fuchsia can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, rarely perennials, with opposite or whorled leaves and usually pendent flowers with conspicuous tubular calyx, 4 spreading sepals and 4 erect petals

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory, in a container of peat-free multi-purpose potting compost with added perlite for drainage. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly to keep moist in winter. See tender fuchsia cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, fuchsia gall mite, fuchsia flea beetle, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to fuchsia rust, grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)

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