Fuchsia 'Santa Claus'

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: 2-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 7-10.
Mature size:
Height: 3 feet (90 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer until first frost.
Flowering attributes:
Red tubes and sepals, white double corollas with streaks of red.
Light:
Partial shade—morning sun with afternoon shade is recommended. But I grow mine where it gets full afternoon sun against a south facing wall and it thrives.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure. Fuchsias are 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:
In spring, when buds begin to swell, trim to shape and prune out dead stems.

 

Rainy Side Notes

 

A grouping of three of these heat tolerant, three-foot tall plants offers up a visual treat whenever they bloom in my garden. Looking like Christmas ornaments, the bright red reflexed sepals open to reveal pure white double corollas streaked with red veining, while rose pink anthers dangle below. The bright colors of summer come to life in my garden when a deep blue, lace-capped hydrangea, of unknown origin, flowers at the same time the fuchsia growing in close proximity, is in full bloom.

The deep green foliage of the American bred ‘Santa Claus’ remains evergreen in frost free environments, but unfortunately not in the Northwest. Standing upright, it's a real gem in the landscape.

Photographed in author's garden. Video taken at Bainbridge Garden Nursery, Bainbridge Island, WA.

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