Fuchsia regia Reitzii

The Royal Fuchsia, scientifically known as Fuchsia regia Reitzii, is one of the most hardy varieties that can survive extremely cold temperatures as low as -10/-12°C. It is a robust plant that almost climbs and has foliage that remains evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on the climate. Its woody climbing stems bear long bicoloured flowers that are red and violet. The small flowers are shaped like ballerinas, with a skirt of incurved sepals and long limb-like red stamens. These unique features of the Royal Fuchsia give way to small edible berries, which some find delicious. The plant prefers partial shade with moist but well-draining soil and can survive harsh winters by regrowing from the base in spring.

The Fuchsia regia is a plant species native to Brazil and belongs to the Onagraceae family. It was discovered in the 1980s, and the Reitzii subspecies are the most common variety of fuschia grown in gardens. Although it may appear to be a climbing plant due to its impressive vigour, this upright shrub only grows in its preferred climates. Its growth can be trimmed back during winter, and it thrives in a humid and temperate atmosphere with fertile but well-drained soil. Under ideal conditions, it can grow up to 3m (9 ft 10 in) or more in height. However, in cooler climates, it usually reaches a height of 1m (3 ft 4 in) and a spread of 75cm (29.5 in). Its young red stems develop rapidly in spring, producing small, oval, elliptical, somewhat jagged leaves along their entire length. These leaves provide a beautiful background for the flowers.

Numerous tiny flowers appear from August to November at the axils of the leaves. They hang from slender stems and sway in the wind. They comprise a long, fleshy calyx with four thick, red, fuchsia-coloured sepals that taper to a point and arch upwards when in full bloom. This 'skirt' is topped with a corolla of violet petals from which long red stamens emerge. This self-fertile species produces small black fruits with a purple sheen that can be ideally consumed, although their flavour depends significantly on the growing conditions.

The fuchsia is a beautiful but often overlooked bush that deserves more attention. The Royal Fuchsia is exceptionally hardy and can be grown in most areas, although some winter protection may be required in colder regions. The Fuchsia regia Reitzii has long branches that can be trained against a wall or a pergola, but it will need support or to be tied in like a climbing rose.

This variety's delicate and refined flowers should not be overwhelmed by too many blooms, which would overshadow their beauty. To enhance this fuchsia's beauty, consider pairing it with foliage plants with similar growing requirements, such as botanical hydrangeas, actaeas, ferns, rodgersias, or hostas. Depending on the size of your garden, this shrub can be used in the background or in front of an evergreen hedge to create a graceful backdrop. It also thrives in partial or full shade, bringing brightness to any planting scheme.