Fuchsia Summermelody Sunlope

Fuchsia SUMMERMELODY® 'SUNLOPE' is a hybrid fuchsia which is interesting for its erect, very compact habit, its vibrant colours and the length of its flowering. Its flowers combine magenta pink and dark purple in a bright yet elegant contrast. It is a remarkable variety for a pot or planter on a sheltered terrace or balcony.

This cultivar belongs to the Onagraceae family. SUMMERMELODY® 'SUNLOPE' is part of the SUMMERMELODY® series, created by G.G.G. Grünewald in the Netherlands. It comprises fuchsias with an erect habit, selected for growing in pots. The plant forms a small, branched clump, about 40cm high and 50cm wide. The leaves, opposite or sometimes grouped in threes on the stems, are ovate to lanceolate, finely toothed, and dark green. The flowers are single, pendulous, medium-sized, composed of an elongated tube, four magenta-coloured sepals and a purple corolla; the protruding stamens accentuate the lightness of the whole. Flowering extends from May to October, until the first frosts. This fuchsia is not very hardy. It withstands at best very mild, brief and short-lived frosts. In most regions, it will need to be overwintered frost-free.

This fuchsia is mainly for pots, tubs or planters, on a terrace, balcony or near an entrance. It needs a large container, rich, well-drained potting compost, and regular watering in summer. In a display, its magenta and purple flowers combine well with the almost black foliage of Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Purple, the lime green of Helichrysum petiolare 'Silver', the white of Euphorbia hypericifolia 'Diamond Frost' and the small dark bells of Begonia Summerwings Dark Elegance.