FUCHSIA RICCARTONII

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Fuchsia magellanica ‘Riccartonii’

• Common Name: Hardy Fuchsia ‘Riccartonii’

• Plant Type: Hardy deciduous shrub

• Origin: Native to South America; this variety is well-known for its resilience in UK and Irish gardens.

• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright form with graceful, arching stems; typically grows to 1.5–2 metres in height and spread.

• Foliage: Small, dark green, ovate leaves with a hint of red on young growth.

• Flowers: Slender, pendant blooms with bright red tubes and sepals, and deep purple corollas; produced continuously from mid-summer to the first frosts.

• Seasonal Interest: Long flowering season combined with attractive foliage makes it a valuable ornamental shrub.

• Garden Uses: Perfect for borders, informal hedges, cottage gardens, coastal planting, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Wildlife Benefits: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and especially hummingbird hawk-moths; flowers provide nectar throughout the summer.

• Hardiness: Very hardy for a fuchsia, tolerating winter temperatures down to around -10°C once established.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade; in hotter climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent stress.

• Soil Preferences: Best in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Likes evenly moist soil; avoid prolonged drought and waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn to allow establishment before winter.

• Spacing: Allow 1–1.5 metres between plants for mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: While hardy, it appreciates shelter from cold, drying winds.

• Companion Planting: Combines well with hydrangeas, hostas, and hardy geraniums.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots with quality compost; ensure consistent watering and feeding.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first year.

  • Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but perform better with consistent moisture.

• Feeding: Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage continuous flowering.

• Pruning:

  • In spring, cut back dead or weak growth to healthy buds to stimulate strong new shoots.

  • In colder areas, allow frost-damaged stems to remain over winter for protection, cutting back once new growth appears.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch layer of compost or bark around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally robust; may occasionally suffer from aphids, whitefly, or rust, but rarely severe.

• Winter Care: Hardy in most regions; in colder locations, protect the base with mulch or fleece during severe frost.

• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to promote ongoing blooms and prevent seed formation.

• Longevity: With good care, Fuchsia ‘Riccartonii’ will thrive for many years, becoming a reliable and colourful feature in the garden.

• Latin name
  FUCHSIA RICCARTONII
• Size
  25-30

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.