Fuchsia venusta Tom Thumb

The Fuchsia 'Tom Thumb' is an old variety of Fuchsia venusta with a very compact habit and exceptional floribundity. This undershrub forms a dense cushion, covered with small single flowers in carmine red with violet corollas, which continue to bloom for at least 6 months. It is also a relatively hardy variety, which can be grown directly in the ground in partial or even in full shade in coastal areas with mild winters. It can be used for edging, in rockeries, or in potted plants to be overwintered in colder regions.

Fuchsias are a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. They are native to South America, the Caribbean, and Australia and come in many hybrid varieties. One of the most popular cultivars is the French hybrid 'Tom Thumb', which dates back to 1850. It is widely grown due to its beautiful flowers and ease of cultivation, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. 'Tom Thumb' is a small, dense, upright bush that grows to a height and width of 35-40cm (13.8 - 15.7 in). It blooms from May-June to September-October, producing medium-sized flowers with a long tube and four long, reflexed sepals. The flowers come in shades of red to carmine pink, with a corolla of broader, shorter petals in a slightly veined mauve-violet with hints of pink-red. Long pink stamens complete the harmonious look. As the season progresses, the 'Tom Thumb' stems become woody. They bear abundant foliage composed of narrow, deciduous, opposite, whorled leaves in groups of 3 or 5, which are entire and measure 5 to 8 cm (2 - 3.1 in) in length. The leaves have a glossy dark green colour.

Fuchsias are usually grown as an annual, but they can also be grown as a perennial indoors or directly in the ground where the frost is mild. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -5°C to -8°C when adequately protected from the cold. Fuchsias complement the foliage of ferns, rodgersias, orange heucheras, and light green hostas. They also go well with hydrangeas in cool and shaded areas. When grown in pots, these plants can be paired beautifully with ivy, 'Silver Falls' dichondra, lobelias, or bacopas. If planted in a border, the dwarf varieties can be highlighted by the foliage of hostas, the delicate flowers of Impatiens balfouri, tiarellas, or epimediums.

Fuchsia, a plant originally from South America, was discovered in Santo Domingo in the 17th century and later acclimatised in Europe. It was named after a German botanist named Fuchs. Over time, more and more botanical fuchsias have been developed, and tens of thousands of hybrids are now available. 

Our plants are green and measure 4 to 8cm (1.6 - 3.1 in) and come in trays of 5 small plugs that measure 2.8cm (1.1 in) in diameter and 4cm (1.6 in) in height. They are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be planted directly into the ground.