Fuchsia Magellanica

Overview and Features

Fuchsia magellanica, commonly known as the Hardy Fuchsia, is a robust, bushy, deciduous shrub that produces graceful, tubular flowers in vivid shades of crimson, pink, and purple. Native to South America, it is one of the few truly hardy fuchsias, making it ideal for gardens across Ireland and the UK.

This fuchsia is often used in hedges, borders, and woodland edges, where it provides a long flowering period and vibrant summer colour. It grows naturally into a medium-sized shrub, making it great for structural planting or informal landscaping.

• Height: Typically 1.2–1.8 metres (can reach up to 2.5 m in ideal conditions)

• Spread: 1–1.5 metres

• Flowers: Slender, pendulous blooms with red sepals and purple corollas

• Foliage: Small, lance-shaped, green to reddish-green leaves

• Blooming time: June to October

• Habit: Upright, bushy, and arching growth

• Type: Deciduous shrub (hardy fuchsia)

Planting and Site Preferences

Fuchsia magellanica is reliable and easy to grow in most garden settings, particularly in mild, sheltered sites with some protection from cold winds.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun to partial shade

  • In hot areas, partial shade prevents leaf scorch and stress

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained, fertile soil

  • Tolerant of clay, loam, or sandy soil types

  • Best in slightly acidic to neutral pH

• Planting Tips:

  • Plant in spring or autumn

  • Position out of strong winds and heavy frost pockets

  • Mulch after planting to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

  • Space 75–100 cm apart for hedging or borders

Watering, Feeding, and General Care

This fuchsia is relatively low maintenance and can thrive with basic garden care.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly in the first growing season

  • Keep consistently moist during dry spells, especially in containers

  • Established plants tolerate short dry periods

• Feeding:

  • Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring

  • Feed with a high-potash liquid fertiliser monthly during flowering (e.g., tomato feed)

• Mulching:

  • Mulch with compost or well-rotted manure in spring to improve soil and retain moisture

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming

  • In late winter or early spring, cut back old growth to a low framework

  • In colder areas, prune after risk of frost has passed

Design Uses and Companion Ideas

With its long bloom period and elegant form, Fuchsia magellanica fits into many garden designs and combinations.

• Best Uses:

  • Mixed shrub borders and cottage-style gardens

  • Informal hedging and boundary planting

  • Coastal gardens due to good salt and wind tolerance

  • Containers and large pots in sheltered spots

• Companion Plants:

  • Combine with Hydrangeas, Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras, and Astilbes

  • For a contrast in form and foliage, mix with grasses or low-growing evergreens

  • Underplant with spring bulbs or groundcovers for extended seasonal interest

Wildlife Benefits and Hardiness

• Hardiness:

  • Hardy in most regions (RHS H5–H6); survives down to around -10°C to -15°C

  • In colder climates, protect roots with mulch and delay pruning until spring

• Pollinator-Friendly:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Can offer nectar well into autumn

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally trouble-free

  • Watch for aphids or whitefly on tender new shoots; treat with insecticidal soap if needed

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.