FUCHSIA TOM THUMB

Description and Characteristics

Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’ is a classic hardy dwarf fuchsia cultivar, well-loved for its compact form, charming two-tone flowers, and exceptional garden reliability. This deciduous shrub bears profuse pendant blooms with bright crimson-red sepals and a deep purple corolla, providing vivid contrast from late spring until the first frost.

As a true dwarf variety, 'Tom Thumb' grows to only 30–40 cm tall and wide, making it one of the best choices for small borders, rock gardens, edging, and containers. Its neat, bushy habit and continuous flowering make it especially valuable for formal or low-maintenance garden designs.

One of the hardier fuchsias (RHS H4), ‘Tom Thumb’ is capable of surviving UK and Irish winters with minimal protection and will re-sprout from the base each spring.

• Hardy dwarf fuchsia with crimson and purple pendant blooms

• Long flowering season: June to October

• Mature size: 30–40 cm height and spread

• Neat, bushy, and rounded habit—ideal for edging and small spaces

• Attracts bees, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects

• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Fuchsia 'Tom Thumb' is low-maintenance and easy to grow in containers or borders. It thrives in cool, moist conditions, with protection from excessive heat or drying winds.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to reduce stress

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows best in moist but well-drained soil

  • Tolerates loam, sandy loam, or compost-enriched garden beds

  • Suitable for containers with peat-free multipurpose compost

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot or dry spells

  • Avoid letting containers dry out completely

  • Ensure drainage to prevent root rot

• Feeding:

  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season

  • Switch to a high-potash fertiliser in mid-summer to support blooming

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

  • In early spring, cut back dead stems to new growth at the base

  • In containers, pinch back tips early in the season to encourage bushiness

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H4)

  • Mulch with compost or bark in late autumn to protect the crown

  • In colder areas, or for container plants, overwinter in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’ brings seasonal colour, structure, and pollinator support to compact gardens, edges, and containers. Its reliable nature makes it an excellent plant for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for front-of-border planting, edging paths, or filling gaps in cottage-style beds

  • Ideal for rock gardens, patio pots, troughs, and balcony containers

  • Use in massed plantings or formal bedding for colour consistency

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with hostas, heucheras, violas, alchemilla, and spring bulbs

  • Complements compact grasses, ferns, or other hardy fuchsias

  • Contrasts beautifully with silver or variegated foliage

• Pollinator Support:

  • Popular with bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies

  • Continuous blooms provide nectar and forage into late autumn

  • An excellent choice for wildlife-friendly and organic gardens

• Container Use:

  • A perfect variety for pots and low containers on patios or entryways

  • Use a loam-based compost with added grit or perlite

  • Water and feed regularly to maintain bloom production

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-resistant

  • May attract aphids or whitefly—treat with organic sprays if needed

  • Ensure airflow and avoid waterlogging to reduce fungal issues

• 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.