FUCHSIA Lady Thumb

Description and Characteristics

Fuchsia ‘Lady Thumb’ is a compact, hardy, deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking two-tone flowers, neat habit, and long flowering period. It produces abundant pendant blooms with rose-red sepals and lavender-pink to purple corollas, appearing continuously from mid-spring until the first frost. Its compact size and bushy form make it perfect for small spaces, containers, or front-of-border positions.

As one of the more cold-tolerant fuchsias, ‘Lady Thumb’ is classified as hardy (H4) in many regions of the UK and Ireland. It dies back to ground level in winter in colder areas but will re-sprout from the base in spring.

The plant typically reaches 30–50 cm in height with a similar spread. Its dense growth, prolonged bloom time, and graceful flowers also make it a good choice for hanging baskets, troughs, and cottage-style gardens.

• Compact hardy fuchsia with bi-colour pink and purple pendant blooms

• Flowers from May to October

• Height and spread: 30–50 cm

• Deciduous: dies back in winter, regrows in spring

• Suitable for containers, borders, baskets, and small gardens

• Attracts bees and pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Fuchsia ‘Lady Thumb’ is easy to grow and suitable for both containers and open soil. It enjoys mild temperatures, moisture-retentive soils, and regular pruning to encourage flowering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows well in partial shade to full sun

  • In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to protect blooms

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained soil

  • Will thrive in loam, sandy loam, or compost-enriched beds

  • Container soil should be peat-free multipurpose compost with added grit

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering

  • Avoid waterlogging or letting containers dry out

  • In hot spells, container plants may need daily watering

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during growing season

  • Use a high-potash feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) from mid-summer for improved blooms

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • In containers: pinch out tips in early growth to encourage bushiness

  • In borders: cut back hard in early spring once new shoots appear

  • Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

  • Mulch base with organic matter in late autumn to protect roots

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to approx. -5°C to -10°C (RHS H4)

  • In colder areas, mulch or protect crowns over winter

  • In very harsh climates, lift and overwinter in pots in a frost-free place

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Fuchsia ‘Lady Thumb’ is a reliable and decorative shrub ideal for containers, edges, and pollinator-friendly spaces. Its compact size and showy blooms suit a wide variety of design schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for cottage gardens, shaded borders, containers, and window boxes

  • Great choice for underplanting larger shrubs or softening edges

  • Works well in hanging baskets or patio pots

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with hostas, heucheras, lobelia, begonias, and ferns

  • Contrasts with silver foliage plants like Artemisia or Brunnera

  • Combines well with other hardy fuchsias or shade-loving perennials

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Long flowering period supports pollinators through summer and autumn

  • Great addition to pollinator gardens and wildlife borders

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for pots, hanging baskets, or small patios

  • Use peat-free compost with added perlite or grit

  • Trim lightly and repot every 1–2 years for continued vigour

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to most pests

  • Watch for aphids, whitefly, or rust in very humid or sheltered spots

  • Ensure good airflow and drainage to prevent issues

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.