|
|
|
FUCHSIA SPECIES
Text for the photos:
F. magellanica (SW 1) from Chilé, with red over purple blossoms, is believed to be the parent of many hardy, hybrid fuchsia bushes.. Section Quelusia.
F. m. has a color mutation and is referred to as F. magellanica ‘Alba’ or ‘Molinae’.
The tree fuchsia can grow up to 40’ in New Zealand: F. excorticata. Section Skinnera.
Most spectacular is F. boliviana with long red tubes that bloom in panicles and large, oval leaves. Section Fuchsia.
Section Fuchsia, with 65 different species, grows in warmer areas. One of the most colorful is F. denticulata.
F. paniculata subspecies paniculata from Section Schufia looks like a lilac blooming.
There are 119 named Fuchsia (Onagraceae) species and subspecies that grow wild. Not all are in cultivation, but, of those that are, they are some of the most beautiful and rewarding plants to grow.
Arranged into 12 sections by fuchsia taxonomist, Dr. Paul Berry, University of Wisconsin at Madison, their names can 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 more warmth those most. 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 hardy as well.
The Western Fuchsia Species Society, based in Seattle and affiliated with Fuchsia Research International in the U. K., 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 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.
| ||||||
|
The Northwest Fuchsia Society was established in 1983
Mailing address: Northwest Fuchsia Society PO BOX 33071 Seattle, Wa 98133-0071
Visitors to our site:
|
