‘Species’ fuchsias are the plants that are found growing in the wild naturally and from whom all of today’s modern cultivars are descended. There are over 100 natural species, split into 11 separate sections by enthusiasts  who concern themselves with such matters. One section, Procumbentes, has only one species in it; another,  called section Fuchsia, has 61. Many fuchsia nurseries, and even other big nurseries, have some species for sale and they are well worth trying out. They range from fairly small and compact plants to very large floriferous ones. They don’t all need special treatment and conditions, in fact many are easy to grow. Some are tolerant of sunlight, others flower when the days are getting really short so with a bit of care you could have fuchsias in flower all the year round.

Try f. magallenica, f.boliviana, f.denticulata, f.fulgens and f. procumbens for starters.

Planting Hardy Fuchsias

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and then dig out a saucer shaped hole at least 5” deep and 15” across. Dig out a smaller hole at the bottom of the saucer to take the rootball. This hole should be slightly larger than the rootball with a mix of peat or potting compost with the surrounding soil to fill any gap.

As the season progresses the ’saucer’ will become backfilled by the action of watering , rainfall and the wind and the rootball will gradually become buried. Don’t do this yourself, let the elements do it for you and the plant will gradually grow through.i. By the onset of autum the plant will have flowered normally but the plant’s rootball will be well below the normal frost line, the object of the exercise.

Note.  Hardy Fuchsias are usually only hardy in their first year if planted in the ground like this. They are not normally hardy enough to survive in the ground over winter and will not survive the winter in pots in an unheated greenhouse.

If you have an interest in fuchsias, consider joining the British Fuchsia Society. You will receive copies of their Annual and seasonal Bulletins, all full of articles and information about fuchsias, take part in the annual plant distribution scheme and have access to cultural help and advice. Membership also gives you access to specialist groups within the BFS: The Special Interest Group for members who are particularly interested in species, pre-1914 cultivars or hybridising; or The Fuchsia Lore Group for members who are interested in all aspects of ‘fuchsia lore’ collecting, exhibiting or selling

All for £10 per annum single UK membership. For two people at the same address it will cost you £15. Contact the Hon. Secretary, BFS, PO Box 178, Evesham WR11 3WY or go to www.thebfs.org.uk and follow the links.