Fuchsia magellanica
| Fuchsia magellanica | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Fuchsia |
| Species: | F. magellanica |
| Binomial name | |
| Fuchsia magellanica Lam. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Fuchsia magellanica var. macrostema (Ruiz & Pav.) Munz |
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Fuchsia magellanica, the Hummingbird fuchsia or Hardy fuchsia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Evening Primrose family (family Onagraceae), native to the lower Southern Cone of southern South America. [1]
This species of Fuchsia occurs in temperate climate southern regions of Argentina and Chile, from latitude 32°50' S. to the Straits of Magellan.
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[edit] Description
This sub-shrub can grow to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height and width in frost-free climates, and 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) where colder. The plant blossoms profusely over a long period with many small and tubular pendent flowers, in brilliant shades of red and purple, softer shades of pink and lavender, and some in white.
[edit] Cultivation
Fuchsia magellanica, and its cultivars, varieties, and hybrids, are widely cultivated by plant nurseries and gardeners as an ornamental plant. It s used for planting in temperate and subtropical gardens and within conservatories, and for containers on patios, balconies, and sunny houseplant positions.
The plants are quite cold-hardy compared to other species from more tropical climates, being deciduous where frosts are light, and only top die back in hard frosts (with mulching). The profuse drooping flowers are a nectar source attractive to hummingbirds. [2]
[edit] Cultivars and varieties
Cultivars and varieties of Fuchsia magellanica include:
- Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae - lavender with white flowers.
- Fuchsia magellanica 'Riccartonii' - dark green leaves with a faint bronze sheen.
- Fuchsia magellanica 'Versicolor' - small, grey-green leaves variably margined with cream, pink flush when young; red and purple flowers.
- Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis - smaller leaves, more arching branch structure.
- Fuchsia magellanicavar. gracilis 'Variegata' (syn: Fuchsia magellanica 'Variegata') - small, cream-edged leaves, long-narrow crimson and purple flowers
- Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis 'Aurea' - bronze and gold leaves on deep red stems, vivid magenta and purple flowers.
The species, and hybrids using it as parent stock, are susceptible to fuchsia gall mite.
[edit] References
- Berry, Paul E. "A Systematic Revision of Fuchsia Sect Quelusia (Onagraceae". Ann. Missouri Bot Gard. 76:532-584. 1989.
[edit] External links
Media related to Fuchsia magellanica at Wikimedia Commons
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