FUCHSIA Blacky

Description and Characteristics

Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ is a striking, large-flowered trailing or semi-trailing fuchsia cultivar, admired for its deep, dramatic blooms and abundant cascading habit. It produces enormous, double flowers with rosy-red sepals and rich, velvety purple to near-black corollas—a colour combination that makes a bold impact in hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes.

‘Blacky’ is a half-hardy fuchsia, typically grown as a seasonal plant in colder regions or overwintered under protection. Its weeping stems trail gracefully, making it ideal for elevated displays where the full beauty of its pendulous blooms can be appreciated.

This cultivar blooms from late spring through autumn, often continuously when regularly deadheaded and well-fed. It grows to around 30–40 cm tall and can trail 50–60 cm or more, depending on growing conditions.

• Large, double pendant flowers with dark red sepals and purple-black corollas

• Prolific bloomer from May/June to October

• Habit: semi-trailing to trailing, perfect for hanging baskets and containers

• Height: 30–40 cm; trailing spread: up to 60 cm+

• Ideal for patio pots, window boxes, balcony railings, and seasonal displays

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ is easy to care for in containers with regular watering, feeding, and protection from extremes of heat or cold. It thrives in mild, moist conditions with bright, indirect light.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers bright, indirect sun or dappled shade

  • In hot climates, protect from strong afternoon sun to prevent wilting or scorch

  • Performs well in north- or east-facing exposures

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist but well-drained compost

  • Use peat-free multi-purpose compost with added grit or perlite for drainage

  • Enrich with organic matter or slow-release fertiliser in early season

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly—keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

  • In hot weather, hanging baskets may need watering once or twice daily

  • Avoid letting pots dry out completely

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a high-potash liquid fertiliser (e.g. tomato feed) every 1–2 weeks in summer

  • Use a slow-release fertiliser when potting for steady growth

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead spent flowers frequently to prolong blooming

  • Pinch back growing tips early in the season to encourage bushiness

  • Prune back in autumn if overwintering indoors

• Winter Care:

  • Half-hardy: not frost-tolerant

  • In mild climates, can be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory

  • Trim back to 10–15 cm and keep in cool, dry conditions (~5–10°C) with minimal water

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ is a bold choice for elevated containers and vibrant summer combinations. Its rich flower colour adds depth and drama to any outdoor space and supports pollinators throughout the growing season.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, tall containers, or tiered displays

  • Suitable for shady courtyards, patios, and covered balconies

  • Can be combined with upright fuchsias for contrast in mixed containers

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with lobelia, bacopa, calibrachoa, trailing ivy, heuchera, or coleus

  • Mix with silver foliage plants (e.g. Helichrysum or Artemisia) for contrast

  • Adds drama to softer pastel-themed displays

• Pollinator Value:

  • Flowers are visited by bees and butterflies, especially bumblebees

  • Continuous bloom ensures long seasonal forage for pollinators

  • Excellent in wildlife-friendly containers and urban gardens

• Container Use:

  • Best in 12-inch or larger baskets and pots to allow full trailing habit

  • Use coir-lined hanging baskets or decorative troughs

  • Rotate occasionally for even sun exposure and balanced growth

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to major pests, though may attract aphids, whitefly, or spider mites in dry indoor conditions

  • Ensure airflow and shade to prevent botrytis (grey mould)

  • Remove faded leaves or flowers to maintain health

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.