Fuchsia 'Riccartonii'

Description and Characteristics

Fuchsia 'Riccartonii' is one of the most reliable and widely grown hardy fuchsias, known for its abundant two-tone flowers, upright arching habit, and ability to withstand winter conditions in many temperate regions. It produces masses of slender, pendant flowers with reddish-magenta sepals and deep purple corollas, providing vibrant colour from late spring through to the first frost.

This vigorous shrub can grow up to 1.2–1.8 metres tall and 1.2 metres wide, forming a graceful, bushy plant with slightly arching branches. In sheltered conditions or warmer gardens, it may retain some foliage year-round, but it is typically deciduous, dying back in winter and regrowing from the base in spring.

Fuchsia 'Riccartonii' is perfect for mixed borders, informal hedging, wildlife gardens, and coastal planting. It also holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, a mark of its reliability and performance in UK and Irish gardens.

• Upright, arching growth habit with abundant red-purple pendant flowers

• Blooming period: June to October

• Height: 1.2–1.8 m; Spread: up to 1.2 m

• Hardy deciduous shrub (RHS H5, down to approx. -10°C to -15°C)

• Suitable for hedges, large borders, or cottage gardens

• Excellent pollinator plant, especially for bees and hoverflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Fuchsia 'Riccartonii' is low-maintenance, thriving in a wide range of soil types and performing well in full sun or partial shade. It is particularly valued for its cold-hardiness and ability to return year after year with little effort.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows in full sun to partial shade

  • In warmer climates, some afternoon shade helps reduce stress

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil

  • Adapts to loam, sandy loam, or enriched garden beds

  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season

  • Water deeply in dry periods, especially in summer

  • Container plants require more frequent watering

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and again mid-summer

  • Use a high-potash feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) to encourage more flowering

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • In early spring, cut back stems to 10–15 cm above ground level

  • Mulch with compost or leaf mould to protect roots and retain moisture

  • Deadhead spent blooms to maintain tidiness and encourage repeat flowering

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy (RHS H5), survives most winters without protection

  • In colder regions, apply a mulch over the crown in autumn

  • Stems may die back naturally—cut back in spring when new growth appears

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Fuchsia 'Riccartonii' brings a rich burst of colour, structure, and wildlife value to a wide range of planting schemes. Its upright habit and long flowering season make it a go-to choice for traditional and wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for mixed borders, informal hedging, large containers, and coastal gardens

  • Excellent backdrop for lower perennials and bedding plants

  • Use in cottage garden designs, underplanted with groundcovers or bulbs

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines well with hostas, alchemilla, geranium, salvia, heuchera, and asters

  • Provides contrast to silver foliage plants like Artemisia or Stachys

  • Pairs beautifully with late-season colour from Sedum, Anemone hupehensis, and Echinacea

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Blooms well into autumn, extending food availability for pollinators

  • An excellent addition to wildlife gardens and pollinator pathways

• Container Growing:

  • Can be grown in large pots on patios or terraces

  • Use a free-draining compost with added organic matter

  • Water and feed regularly; protect roots in winter

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases

  • Watch for aphids or whitefly—treat early with organic controls

  • Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal 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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.