Fuchsia 'MRS.POPPLE' hardy fuchsia
size/type
medium-sized shrub,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,5-0,8m
usual width
0,5-0,8m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-October
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
6b (down to -21°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Fuchsias are back in fashion these days, mainly because more and more countries are testing the so-called hardy fuchsias which are aimed to live outdoors, in garden beds and borders. They are usually magellanica hybrids and we are so happy to confirm they do well in continental Europe, too.
Description of the plant:
It happened in 1899 when Mrs. Popple was giving one of her tennis parties. One of the invited was a nurseryman Clarense Elliott of Six Hills Nursery in Stevenage, England. Apart from ball and his racket he also paid attention to the plants growing around and he noticed a beautiful fuchsia just behind the court. His hostess had no idea where the plant had come from and how long it had been there. She allowed him to take cuttings for further propagation and he named the variety in honour of her name Mrs.Popple. Mrs.Popple fuchsia bears large, magenta pink flowers with a wide purple blue corolla. It grows 50-90 cm tall and wide in a lightly outwardly yet compact habit. Flowering begins in July and peaks in late summer, usually in late August and early September when the plant is literally covered with flowers. Deciduous leaves are narrowly ovate, medium green with rich pink stalks, midribs, and shallowly serrated margins.
Hardy fuchsias are considered perennials in Central European climate where all top growth is always killed by frost. They emerge late and offer a stunning display of flowers especially late in the season owing to which they are best utilized in beds and borders close to lounge windows so you can enjoy their beauty even on days when the weather outside is not too welcoming for a garden stroll.
Grow hardy fuchsias in full sun or partial shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. Mulching is recommended. However, in winter they should be kept away from wet snow and rain. Use an old plastic pot to put onto the plant upside down before the autumn rains come to keep the soil around the plant dry. Cover the plant with dry leaves or mulch and put the pot upside down onto the plant. Make sure it has holes for air circulation. Remove the pot in March and uncover the plant from mulch only after frosts. Cut back young plants, or trim lightly older plants.
Hardy outdoor fuchsias need to be grown in full sun or minimum shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. Mulching is recommended. It is true that they hate winter wet yet they should not dry out in long and dry winters. They are not fussy about soil pH. They need well-drained, humus-rich soil. Its hardiness has not been observed under all conditions yet and oscillates around -21°C.
Last update 31-08-2020
