Fuchsia magellanica Hawkshead

The Fuchsia magellanica 'Hawkshead' is one of the most refined bush varieties derived from the Fuchsia magellanica, with multiple qualities that have been awarded at the Courson days. Its very bushy habit is accompanied by a multitude of small flowers, barely touched with green, that are pearly white and very delicate. This enchanting little bush is in bloom all summer, sometimes until October. Its bell-shaped flowers are light and lively; they sway in the wind among a beautiful dark green and glossy foliage. It prefers sun or light shade and fresh, light soils. This relatively hardy fuchsia survives normal winters with protection, regrowing from the stump in spring.

The Fuchsia magellanica, named after the Strait of Magellan, its region of origin, is a bush of the onagraceae family. 'Hawkshead' is a small bush with an upright and dense habit, distinguished by increased floribundity and splendid growth, even in the sun. It can reach 90 cm (35.4 in) to 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) in height, with a spread of 80 cm, if the atmosphere remains humid and temperate and the soil is fertile but well-drained. Its ovate and elliptical leaves are shiny and bright green. They make a nice background for the flowers. The flowers are numerous, very light, and generously renewed throughout the summer. Shaped like 4 cm (1.6 in) long bells, they hang at the end of the stems, swaying in the wind. They consist of a long fleshy calyx with four pointed sepals, pearly white washed with green at their tips, in which a very pale white to pink corolla is embedded. Finally, long white and opalescent stamens emerge from it. The overall effect is reminiscent of crystal droplets. The flowering is followed by the formation of small black fruits.

The Fuchsia is a somewhat forgotten bush that is just waiting to be rediscovered. The flowers of this variety are delicate and fine, so they should not be drowned out by an excess of flowers that would overshadow their beauty. It will be enhanced by foliage plants with similar cultivation requirements, such as actaea, ferns, rodgersias, heucheras, and hostas. It can thus be placed in the background or in the middle of a bed, depending on the size of your garden, creating a very graceful backdrop. This bush also serves as a base for semi-shade compositions, which it brightens with its luminous flowers.