Fuchsia magellanica Riccartonii

The Fuchsia magellanica Riccartonii, also known as Magellan Fuchsia, is the hardiest of all fuchsias, it easily withstands temperatures as low as -10, or even -15°C in a sheltered position. Its very bushy habit is accompanied by a multitude of small bicoloured bell-shaped flowers, in red and violet, of incredible delicacy, resembling small dancing fairies sheltered by a beautiful green foliage. This enchanting shrub blooms throughout the summer, sometimes even until November if the weather permits. Plant it at the back of flower beds or among hydrangeas, preferably in light shade with a cool and light soil. This wonderful variety easily survives cold winters by regrowing from the base in spring.

The Fuchsia magellanica Riccartonii, which owes its species name to the Strait of Magellan, its region of origin, is a shrub in the evening primrose family. Well adapted to temperate climates, the Magellan fuchsia is occasionally naturalised on dunes. Preferring non-chalky soils, it perfectly tolerates coastal conditions.

This variety, 'Riccartonii', was obtained in Scotland around 1830 by a gardener named Young. It is more cold-resistant than the original type. The shrub has an upright habit, but produces multiple gracefully trailing stems. Its growth is fast, it can reach a height of 1.20 m (3 in 11 ft) with a width of 60-70 cm in fertile, cool, but well-drained soil. In very mild regions, this fuchsia will be semi-evergreen and behave like a woody climbing stem: it can reach a height of over 2 m. Its oval and elliptical leaves are shiny, with a vibrant green colour. They provide a beautiful background for the flowers. These flowers are numerous, very delicate and light, and generously bloom throughout the summer. Shaped like 3 cm (1.2 in) long bells, they hang in the axils of the leaves, swaying in the wind. They are composed of a long fleshy calyx with four pointed sepals of vibrant fuchsia red, in which a purple-violet corolla is embedded. From it emerges long red stamens. The plant produces small, black, edible fruits after being visited by bumblebees and large bees during flowering.

The Fuchsia magellanica Riccartonii is a shrub that deserves more attention than it currently receives. Its colourful and delicate flowers are a sight to behold, and it's important not to overcrowd them with other flowers that may detract from their beauty. It can be enhanced by foliage plants with similar growing requirements, such as hydrangeas, acteas, rodgersias, or hostas.Depending on the size of your garden, this shrub can be placed in the background or in the middle of flower beds, providing a graceful backdrop. It also works as a base for flower beds in shade or semi-shade, adding bright colours to your garden.

If you choose to grow it in a pot, to prolong the flowering period, simply bring it indoors to a greenhouse or conservatory before the first frosts.