Fuchsia magellanica, hardy fuchsia
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Perennials

Fuchsia magellanica

hardy fuchsia

Onagraceae

Southern Chile and Argentina; humid temperate forests and scrubland near the Strait of Magellan

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3–8 feet (90 cm–2.4 m)
Width3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A semi-woody, arching perennial shrub reaching 3–8 feet (90 cm–2.4 m) tall and 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) wide in mild Pacific Northwest climates, dying back to the ground in colder winters and resprouting vigorously from the roots in spring. Flowers pendant, tubular, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, with four bright scarlet to red sepals reflexed back from four violet-purple petals, produced continuously from June through November. One of the most cold-hardy fuchsia species — reliably perennial in USDA zones 6–9 Pacific Northwest lowlands. A major hummingbird nectar source from summer through fall. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Fuchsia magellanica is native to southern Chile and Argentina, growing in humid temperate forests and scrubland near the Strait of Magellan. It is one of the hardiest fuchsia species, having evolved in cool, moist maritime climates closely analogous to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shaded borders, woodland garden edges, containers, and under tall trees at 3–4 foot (90–120 cm) spacing. The long summer-fall blooming season and outstanding hummingbird attraction make it one of the most valuable wildlife garden plants for Pacific Northwest shade. Effective as a specimen in large containers. Combines well with hostas, ferns, and astilbes in moist shade gardens.

How to Identify

Identified by the pendant tubular flowers with four bright scarlet to red reflexed sepals and four violet-purple petals produced continuously on new growth from summer through fall. Slender arching stems with opposite or whorled mid-green finely toothed leaves. Distinguished from tender fuchsia hybrids by the smaller, simpler single flowers with clear scarlet and violet-purple color contrast, and by its reliably perennial habit in PNW lowland climates. Small dark purple berries follow the flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
scarlet
purple
violet

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~22 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms June through November, with the most prolific display July through October. Flowers produced continuously on new growth — one of the longest bloom seasons of any Pacific Northwest perennial. Flowers pendant, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long, with scarlet sepals and violet-purple petals. Small dark purple berries follow, edible but bland.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pendant tubular, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long; four bright scarlet to red reflexed sepals with four violet-purple petals

Foliage Description

Mid-green, ovate, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, opposite or in whorls of three, margins finely toothed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-5 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in part shade to full shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Tolerates more sun in the cool Pacific Northwest than in warmer climates. Space 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Water regularly — does not tolerate drought. In cold winters stems may die back to the ground; do not remove dead stems until new growth appears in spring, as they protect the crown. Mulch the root zone in fall in Zone 6 sites. Virtually pest- and disease-free.

Pruning

In mild winters where stems survive, cut back by one-half to two-thirds in early spring (March) before new growth begins. In colder winters after stem dieback, cut dead stems to the ground once new growth is visible in spring. Do not prune in fall — leave stems in place to protect the crown over winter.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic