Description

General aspect and origins - Fuchsia magellanica syn. Fuchsia gracilis is also known as hardy fuchsia. This shrub, which can reach up to 10 ft (3 m) tall, is native to South America, and more precisely to Southern Peru, Argentina and Chile, including the straits of Magellan. (Hence the species name.) Flowers are red and purple. This fuchsia generaly blooms over a long period, from mid-spring to the first frosts.
Leaves - In mild climates, this Fuchsia is semi-decidious, but becomes decidious in colder climates. Stems are glabrous. Leaves are green with a paler underside, opposite, solitary or grouped. They can be 1-3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) long. Leaves generally have purple veins.
Flowers - The flowers have red sepals and a purple corolla. They are hermaphrodite. Fuchsia magellanica blooms during a long period, generally from mid-spring to the first frosts in mild climates.
Fruits - The fruit of the hardy fuchsia is purple-black when ripe and is about .8 in (2 cm) long, with the shape of a small sausage. It is edible, but very seldom eaten raw. (It is sometimes transformed into jam, however.) The fruit is juicy, with a purple pulp and juice. It is not very flavoured.

Culture

Fuchsia magellanica is one of the hardiest fuchsias, withstanding cold down to about 10-14°F (-10 to -12°C) and even 5°F (-15°C) for the hardiest selections. However, if the roots may withstand such temperatures, wood is more tender and is likely to be damaged below 24°F. This shrub can thus be grown in sheltered areas of USDA zones 7 and warmer.
Soil - This fuchsia likes well-drained grounds, and will prefer fertile soils that remain moist. In areas with warm summers, some shade may be prefered when choosing a place in the garden. The hardy fuchsia can withstand relatively high levels of salt, and can thus be grown in coastal areas.

Propagation

Fuchsia magellanica can be propagated by seeds, which should be as fresh as possible. Seeds should then sprout relatively quickly, in about 6 weeks.
This shrub can also be propagated by cuttings:

In late spring or early summer - with 4 in (10 cm) long green wood.

In late summer or early fall - with 4 in (10 cm) long semi-ripe wood.