Fuchsias are a staple of British gardens, these shrubby plants are found everywhere. They are a hugely popular perennial. Grown for their bright flowers and hardiness for those cold British winters. The first written description of a Fuchsia comes from 1690 by the French monk Minim after he discovered them on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. There are over 100 different types of Fuchsia, most of them originating from South America. With a little care and attention, they can look good year after year in UK gardens.
Different types of fuchsia
As you could guess from there being over 100 species of Fucshia there are many different types of Fuchsia that thrive in all sorts of different conditions.
Hardy Fuchsia
Hardy fuchsias are, as the name suggests, hardy varieties of the Fuchsia family. These Fuchsias will survive outdoors over a UK winter without much specialist care. Hardy varieties of this plant tend to be of the shrubby kind and can be grown in most conditions. They will be okay in a wide range of soil types as long as it is not either extremely dry or extremely wet.
Bush Fuchsia
Bush Fuchsias, as the name suggest, grow into a bush shape. They are one of the most common types of fuchsia, and most varieties are also hardy so can be left in the ground over UK winters.
Hanging Basket Fuchsia
Basket varieties of the Fuchsia have long trailing stems which hang over the edge of a hanging basket. These Fuchsias look great in hanging baskets, hence the name. They are not as hardy as bush or hardy fuchsia so will need special treatment over the winter. Moving them into a greenhouse will be sufficient for most winters.
Tree Fucshia
The tree Fuchsia originates in New Zealand and again much as the name says it is a Fuchsia that is much more tree-like than the other types. The largest tree fuchsia can grow up to 15 metres tall! Many people often talk about the larger bush Fuchsia as tree Fuchsia so bear this in mind. If the description of the Fuchsia at your local garden centre is “Tree Fuchsia” don’t despair and immediately think it will grow into some 15-metre tall behemoth. Most will just be a larger than average bush variety.