What hardiness zones is Fuchsia x hybrida suitable for?

Fuchsia x hybrida is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, 11.

What are the sun requirements for Fuchsia x hybrida?

Fuchsia x hybrida requires Part Shade.

How much water does Fuchsia x hybrida need?

Fuchsia x hybrida has High water needs.

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Annuals

Fuchsia hybrida

Fuchsia

Onagraceae

Hybrid of garden origin involving multiple South and Central American {Fuchsia} species; bred extensively in Europe since the early 1800s

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At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitTrailing

FoliageDeciduous

Height6-36 inches (15-90 cm)

Width12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9 - 11

Zone 9 Zone 10 Zone 11

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Fuchsia ×hybrida is a trailing tender perennial (grown as an annual in cold climates) reaching 6-36 inches (15-90 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. Pendant tubular to bell-shaped bicolored flowers, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm), with sepals in white/pink/red/rose and contrasting corolla in white/pink/lavender/purple bloom from June through October (18 weeks of continuous bloom in cool conditions). Mid-green opposite ovate leaves, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm), with serrated margins. The hybrid complex involves multiple South and Central American species (F. magellanica, F. fulgens, F. triphylla, and others) and has been bred in Europe since the early 1800s. Hardy only in zones 9-11; all other zones treat the plant as an annual or overwinter it in a frost-free location. The pendant bicolored flowers are hummingbird-pollinated. Cool moist Pacific Northwest summers are well-suited to the plant's preference for moderate temperatures — fuchsia wilts and stops flowering when temperatures exceed about 80°F (27°C). Fuchsia gall mite is a serious pest in California and the Pacific Northwest — selecting resistant cultivars reduces the impact. Spent flowers and developing seed pods are pinched off to maintain continuous bloom — if seed pods are left to mature, the plant redirects energy from flowering to fruiting and bloom slows. Toxic to pets in quantity.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin — involves multiple South and Central American Fuchsia species (F. magellanica, F. fulgens, F. triphylla, and others). Bred extensively in Europe since the early 1800s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in hanging baskets, container plantings, mixed shaded borders, and as hummingbird-attracting accents, in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L), spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) apart. Pendant bicolored flowers bloom for 18 weeks in cool conditions. Hummingbird-pollinated. Tender (annual in most zones). Toxic to pets. Hardy in zones 9-11.

How to Identify

Fuchsia ×hybrida is identified by pendant bicolored tubular to bell-shaped flowers with contrasting sepals and corolla on a trailing or upright shrubby plant with opposite ovate leaves. The pendant bicolored flower form is not shared by any other commonly grown ornamental.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~18 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to mid fall (June-October). Pendant tubular to bell-shaped bicolored flowers, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm). 18 weeks of continuous bloom in cool conditions. Hummingbird-pollinated. Spent flowers and seed pods are pinched for continuous bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pendant tubular to bell-shaped flowers 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm), bicolored — sepals in white, pink, red, or rose with contrasting corolla in white, pink, lavender, or purple; single, semi-double, or fully double forms; June-October — continuous bloom in cool conditions; the pendant bicolored flowers are unmistakable

Foliage Description

mid-green, opposite, ovate, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm), with serrated margins; some cultivars carry bronze or variegated leaves

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade Full Shade

Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Site in part shade to full shade (2-4 hours direct sun) in moist well-drained loam with a pH of 6.0-7.0. High water needs — the plant wilts in heat and stops flowering above approximately 80°F (27°C). Cool conditions are required for continuous bloom. Hardy in zones 9-11; treated as an annual in all other zones. Spent flowers and developing seed pods are pinched off for continuous bloom. Fuchsia gall mite is a serious pest — resistant cultivars are selected where gall mite is present. Toxic to pets in quantity. Hardy in zones 9-11.

Pruning

For overwintered plants (zones 9-11 or container-protected): prune back hard in early spring (March-April) to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) before new growth. Growing tips are pinched during the season to encourage branching and flowering.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

10 weeks before last frost

Plant Spacing

15 inches