SPECIES FUCHSIA'S

[Growing Hints]

'Species' fuchsias are the plants that are found growing in the wild naturally, and from where all of today's modern cultivars are descended.

There are about 102 natural species split into 11 separate sections and can be found growing wild in most of South America, Mexico, Tahiti and New Zealand. The greatest numbers are found in South America and thrive in the cloud forests. Some can grow into very large shrubs attaining heights of 10 metres or more. The conditions they favour are dappled sunlight, warmth and high humidity.

In recent years there has been an increase in the popularity of these plants and now many fuchsia enthusiasts have some of them in their collections. A group of enthusiasts and scientists have got together and formed a group to study these magnificent plants to enable us all to understand them much better. The group is 'Fuchsia Research International' and have been given some superb facilities at Margam Park, Port Talbot in Wales, including a huge greenhouse where an Andean setting has been formed so that you can see how the plants would grow in natural conditions. This will be the closest most of us will ever come to seeing fuchsias in their natural environment. See their web site for more information and opening times etc. F.Procumbens Variegata

Many fuchsia nurseries have some species in their catalogues and will be well worth trying some out. I am very fortunate in the fact that I live fairly close to a nursery that specialises in the species. Ken Belton of Clay lane nursery is a very knowledgeable man and will only be to pleased to give any help and advice as you need.

The species range from fairly small and compact plants to very large and floriferous plants. They dont all need special treatment and conditions, in fact many are very easy to grow. Some however are a little more difficult so if you fancy trying some for the first time may I suggest you try the easier plants like F. magellanica, F. boliviana, F. denticulata, F. fulgens, F. glazioviana and F. procumbens.

Tips on growing species.

Most of the species are not hardy and so will need protection from the cold.
Use your normal fuchsia compost but add slightly more grit. In the natural they grow on poor sandy soil and need to be very free draining.
Do not over water as most do not like their roots to be wet. Keep slightly on the dry side.
In the better months grow outside preferably in shade or dappled sunlight.
Species dislike over feeding, so only feed sparingly. I add osmocote to my compost and then hardly ever give any liquid feed.
Never restrict species too much in their pots as they like to have plenty of root run. I also think they grow better in clay pots.
Species make better plants as they get older so keep them for a few years. Be careful how you prune them back as some do not like a heavy prune.
Species do not like stopping. As they are a wild and natural plant let them have more of a free rein and only stop them when getting leggy or out of shape. The more natural they look, the better they grow and the better they flower.
Many are notoriously slow to come into flower. They take at least 14 weeks and many take 20 or more weeks. You may have to experiment a little with your last stop. Over feeding certainly delays flowering.
They are all relatively disease and pest free with the exception of white fly. Maintain a regular spraying programme for white fly and the plants will give very little trouble.

Whilst on the subject of species why not grow some of the 'interspecific hybrids' or 'first cross' plants. Whilst these are not true species they are very close in growth, habit and flowering. The main difference for most of us is that they are easier to grow. These plants are the result of a cross between 2 species i.e. 'Fuji San' is a cross of F. denticulata & F. decussata.

Plants worth a try are; Cotta Bright Star, Fuji San, Fanfare, Taco and any of the Lechlade varieties.

For further reading of this fascinating section of our hobby try 'Fuchsias The complete Guide' by E. Goulding and published by Batsford ltd.

It is hoped that later on this year the definite book on the subject will be published. It is being written by Dr Paul Berry. Watch this space for further news.