Fuchsia

Common name: Hardy Fuchsia

Description: Hardy fuchsias are among the most reliably free-flowering of all summer and autumn shrubs, producing a continuous and spectacular display of elegant, pendant bicolour flowers typically combining rich, waxy sepals in red or pink with contrasting petticoat petals in purple, white, or rose from midsummer right through to the first frosts. Unlike tender fuchsias, hardy varieties die back to ground level in winter but reliably regenerate from the base each spring, making them permanent, low-maintenance garden plants. They are excellent for borders, containers, and informal hedging, and the tubular flowers are irresistible to bumblebees and hoverflies throughout the season.

Other benefits: continuous flowering from midsummer to first frosts; reliably hardy regrows from base each year; excellent for pollinators; suitable for containers and hedging

Wildlife attraction: bumblebees, hoverflies, and other pollinating insects throughout the season

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.61.2m x 0.61m (varies by variety)

Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered from cold drying winds; excellent in containers

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid (pH 6.07.0); fertile, moist but well-drained soil or compost

Moisture: moderate to moist; water regularly in containers; mulch over roots in winter for extra protection

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15C; dies back and regrows from base; mulch in colder regions