Magellan Fuchsia

Hardy fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica, Onagraceae) is a deciduous shrub from southern Chile and Argentina, reaching 2 to 10 feet tall depending on climate, with arching stems. Opposite or whorled elliptic leaves (2.5 to 8.5 centimeters) are deep green above with purple veins. Small, elegant, pendent flowers with deep red tubes and sepals and purple petals bloom prolifically from summer to first frost. It is the hardiest species in the genus.

Hardy fuchsia grows in sun to part shade on moist, fertile, well-drained soils (pH 4.5 to 8.5), tolerating heavy clay, hardy in Zones 6 to 7. Tops die back at first frost but roots survive with mulching, and the plant resprouts as a perennial in cold areas. It is very salt-resistant and tolerates trimming well, making it useful as a hedge. It attracts hummingbirds and bees. Documented diseases include black root rot, botrytis blight, root rot, rust, and spotted wilt. Pests include aphids, cyclamen mite, fuchsia gall mite, root weevil, and whitefly. No cultivars are documented in the profile.