Fuchsia alpestris Grimpant

Fuchsia alpestris 'Grimpant' has, as its cultivar name suggests, a desire to climb trees, fences, or walls, reaching up to about 2m. It is distinguished by wide semi-evergreen leaves that turn red in autumn, and slender typical, red flowers with incurved sepals and long stamens. It is relatively hardy, classified in USDA zone 8, which is around -8 to -10°C, it regrows from the crown in spring in case of a cold winter and prefers light shade and cool, well-drained soil.

Fuchsia alpestris is a botanical species native to Brazil, belonging to the onagraceae family. In its natural habitat, it is found in thickets and low forests near granite outcrops at altitudes of 1,400 to 1,600 metres. Sometimes considered a climbing plant due to its remarkable vigour, this upright shrub only needs good conditions to expand. It can reach a height of 3m or more if winter does not cut back its vegetation, if the atmosphere remains humid and temperate, and the soil is fertile but well-drained. In cultivation, in our cooler climates, it generally reaches a height of 1 to 2m and a width of 1m. Its young branches develop rapidly in spring, bearing oval and elliptical leaves, rather wide for a fuchsia, along their entire length. They are shiny, medium to dark green, and provide a beautiful background for the flowers. These numerous, small flowers bloom from August to November in the axils of the leaves, hanging at the end of slender stems, swaying in the wind. They consist of a long fleshy calyx with four thick, pointed, red fuchsia-coloured sepals that curve towards the sky when they open. This 'underskirt' tops a corolla of violet petals from which long red stamens emerge. This self-fertile species produces small black fruits with purplish highlights that can be eaten, although the quality of their flavour depends greatly on the growing conditions.

Fuchsia alpestris 'Grimpant' offers fairly good cold resistance, making it suitable for cultivation in open ground in most regions, with adequate protection during the coldest periods. To make it climb, its long branches can be tied against a wall or pergola. However, it will need to be trained or provided with support, as it does not have organs to cling with, like climbing roses. The delicate, fine flowers of this variety should not be overwhelmed by excessive blooming that could hide their beauty. Fuchsia alpestris 'Grimpant' pairs well with plants with decorative foliage in partial shade, and moist soil, such as blue hostas or ferns, shade-loving hydrangeas with flat flowers, bugbanes, or rodgersias. It is ideally placed in the background or in front of an evergreen hedge, depending on the size of the garden.