Overview
Fuchsia magellanica is hardy fuchsia (Magellan fuchsia), an upright deciduous perennial (sub-shrub) growing 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) tall and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) wide. Pendant tubular flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with four scarlet to red reflexed sepals and four violet-purple petals — blooms continuously from June through November (22 weeks). Mid-green ovate leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in opposite pairs or whorls of three. Small dark purple edible berries 0.5 inch (1.3 cm). In Onagraceae. Native to southern Chile and Argentina. The only commonly cultivated Fuchsia root-hardy in zones 6-7. In zones 6-7 the stems die back to ground in winter and regrow to full height in one season. In zones 8-9 the stems survive winter. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions. This moisture requirement is the primary limitation. Requires cool summers — performs poorly above 85°F (29°C). Classified as invasive in parts of New Zealand. Naturalized in western Ireland. Deer browse the foliage. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to southern Chile and Argentina — humid temperate forests and scrubland near the Strait of Magellan. Naturalized in western Ireland, UK, New Zealand, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders, woodland edges, containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), and as informal hedges in mild maritime climates (zones 8-9), spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m). Continuous summer-fall bloom. Hummingbird-visited. Requires cool moist conditions. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Summer through fall (June-November). Pendant tubular flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with scarlet sepals and violet-purple petals. 22 weeks of continuous bloom. Hummingbird-pollinated (in the Americas). Small dark purple edible berries follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pendant tubular, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long; four scarlet to red reflexed sepals with four violet-purple petals; stamens and pistil protrude belowFoliage Description
Mid-green, ovate, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, opposite or in whorls of three, margins finely toothedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (2-5 hours — protect from afternoon sun in zones 7-8). Well-drained moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. In zones 6-7 mulch the crown heavily in fall (6 inches / 15 cm) — stems die back but roots survive. Do not cut back dead stems until spring. Requires cool summers. Deer browse foliage. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.Pruning
In zones 6-7: cut dead stems to ground level in early spring (March) after new growth emerges from the roots. In zones 8-9 where stems survive: prune back by 1/3-1/2 in March to shape and remove dead tips. Do not prune in fall — the dead stems insulate the crown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons