Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley'

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

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Subshrub
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 8-10.
Heat zones: 9-12.
Mature size:
Height: 4 feet (121 cm).
Width: 4 feet (121 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer until first frost.
Flowering attributes:
Medium to large, single flowers with neyron-rose tube and sepals, and currant-red corolla.
Leaf attributes:
Large, mid-green leaves.
Light:
Partial shade to full sun.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Heavy feeders so fertilize monthly with a complete organic fertilizer, from spring through July. Side dress with compost.
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.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Fuchsia 'Celia Smedley' raised in Nottingham, England and introduced in 1970 by George Roe, is considered one of the breakthroughs in color combinations. A cross between F. 'Joy Patmore' and 'Glitters' produced this vigorous, upright fuchsia. Roe named it after his daughter.

A popular fuchsia to grow as a standard, Celia Smedley grows a strong, straight stem more easily than others. Its vigorous tendencies make it a choice, extra large standard; although growers use this cultivar to create half and full standards too.

I planted this in a raised bed amongst some Zantedeschia albomaculata (calla lilies) and Fuchsia 'Aurea', and it quickly grew and held its own with its companions.

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.