Fuchsia boliviana ambig.

RHS Plant Profile
Bolivian fuchsia ambig.
Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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

Diseases

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