Fuchsia triphylla Fulgens

The Fuchsia triphylla 'Fulgens', also known as the Bright Fuchsia or Brilliant Fuchsia, is a beautiful perennial shrub that is adorned with an endless flowering of vibrant terminal clusters of slender tubular orange-to-red flowers. They are abundantly produced on a very attractive greenish-purple foliage, swaying in the breeze. This botanical species is hardy up to -10°C (14°F), under optimal conditions. It tolerates sunlight and heat better than other fuchsias. It can be grown in the ground or in a large pot to be stored in cold climates, preferring morning sun, in a cool and light soil.

The Fuchsia triphylla 'Fulgens' is a woody perennial with a semi-erect habit, belonging to the onagraceae family. From a botanical perspective, it is a lithophytic shrub (living on rocks) with tuberous roots. It originates from Mexico, but also from the Caribbean, where it grows on rocks, in oak forests, among mosses and ferns, at an altitude below 1500 m (4921 ft 4 in). It can reach 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in its natural environment, or when protected from severe frost. In our climates, it will reach 1m (3 ft 4 in) to 1.50 in all directions. Its reddish stems bear large oval and elliptical leaves, measuring 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in) in length. They are shiny, medium green with varying shades of purple depending on whether the plant grows in full or partial shade. They provide a beautiful backdrop for the flowers. These flowers appear from spring to autumn, clustered in dense panicles at the ends of the branches. They are tubular in shape, sometimes reaching 15 cm (5.9 in) in length, and hang from red petioles. They are composed of a long fleshy calyx with four pointed sepals, in which a corolla is embedded. Long stamens emerge from it. The overall color is a scarlet orange, with the sepals washed in yellow-green towards the tip. The deciduous foliage, as well as the woody parts, are destroyed at -4°C (24.8 °F). The stump dies when the frost persists, around -7°C (19.4 °F). Hardiness is improved in well-drained soil, in a sheltered position from winds and heavy winter rains, under a thick protective mulch, with winter cover.

The colours of the Fuchsia triphylla are of incomparable brilliance. It performs well in the morning sun, even in our regions with hot summers, as long as its base remains cool. It works wonders in shady corners, bringing a lot of personality. In the company of Japanese Anemones, panicle hydrangeas or oakleaf hydrangeas, alongside perennial Geraniums and Acteas, it will create a lush and colourful display. Place it at the back of a flower bed in small gardens, and it will provide a verdant backdrop. In larger spaces, it can be interspersed among tall summer flowers such as Malva, Eupatoriums, and Meadow-rues.