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northwest fuchsia society
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GENUS FUCHSIA SPECIES
In Genus Fuchsia, there are 122 named Fuchsia (Onagraceae) species, subspecies and varieties that grow wild in Mexico, Central and South America and New Zealand/Tahiti. Not all are in cultivation in North America, Europe or Asia, but, of those that are, they are some of the most beautiful and rewarding plants to grow. Arranged into 12 sections by Genus Fuchsia taxonomist, Dr. Paul Berry, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, their names may be most difficult to pronounce, but growing and studying them gives insight into the thousands of hybrids they have parented as well as being intrinsically interesting. The variety in these species is fascinating. Some grow in the northern part of South America, Central America and Mexico and like warmth. They have long tubes, some up to 4”, and often are shades of orange. Others, with red sepals longer than their tubes and purple corollas, are winter hardy on the West Coast of the Pacific Northwest and have parented many hardy hybrids. One section from Mexico includes species with wee blossoms, the smallest being only ¼ “ long. Surprisingly, they are often hardy as well. Enjoy the photos!
Note: The photos are in no particular order because some sections will have additions later, some photos may be replaced with clearer ones, and not all 122 taxa are in cultivation and available for photos.
PHOTO CREDITS: From the US- Patty Finnigan, Ann Tanner, Sandi Jensen, Donna Fellows John Snyder, Delta Farm, San Francisco Botanical Garden. U. K.- Fuchsia Research International: Arthur Tickner, Les Blaber; Chile- Roberto Andrés Valenzuela Castillo; France- Alain Afoufa: Société pour le Recherche et l'Acclimatation des espèces botaniques du genre Fuchsia. For some, the origins are lost but not the appreciation.
The Western Fuchsia Species Society, based in Seattle, meets four times a year at various locations in Washington and Oregon. Their goal is to preserve, study and grow these wonderful plants. They maintain a hardy garden at the Center of Urban Horticulture in Seattle and at Lake Wilderness Arboretum in Maple Valley. In addition, they often contribute plants to other public gardens. Gardeners and fuchsia enthusiasts are welcome at meetings and/or can join the Western Fuchsia Species Society to learn more about fuchsia species. Contact: Treasurer Walt North 10710- 2nd N. W. Seattle, WA 98177. Dues are $10 a family per year, when collected.
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The Northwest Fuchsia Society was established in 1983.
Mailing address: Northwest Fuchsia Society 12735- 1st Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98177-4221
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