Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis 'Aurea'

GOLDEN FUCHSIA
Family: Onagraceae Pronounced: FEWK-see-ah (Most people pronounce it FEW-shah.)

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GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin:
Garden.

Plant Group:
Sub shrub.

Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 8-10.

Mature size:
Height: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).
Width: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

Flowering period:
Summer until first frost.

Flowering attributes:
Salmon-pink sepals and orange corollas.

Leaf attributes:
Two-inch long, golden leaves on red stems.

Light:
Partial shade to full sun.

Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize monthly, spring through early summer with a Heavy feeders, so fertilize monthly with a complete organic fertilizer, from spring through July.

Propagation methods:
Softwood cuttings in spring.
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.

Pruning methods:
When buds begin to swell in spring, cut back dead stems as necessary.

‘Aurea’ is a choice cultivar for its red-veined, golden foliage on red stems, which is reason enough to grow it. I take advantage of the upright fuchsia’s arching habit by growing it on top of a two foot tall, rock wall where it can cascade its golden skirts over the dark rocks with stunning results.

Keeping the foliage golden is a balancing act of providing enough shade to keep the leaves from scorching under intense afternoon sun, and enough sun to keep the leaves from turning back to green. The image on the right shows the leaves of a plant located in a shadier position. The two-inch, single, nodding flowers have red tubes and sepals with purple corollas contrasting pleasantly against the bright foliage.

This plant is a hummingbird magnet and blooms from May until first frost; a hummingbird paradise.

Photographed in author's garden.

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