Fuchsia ('Nufu1') ELECTRIC LIGHTS™ hardy fuchsia

ELECTRIC LIGHTS™ is a new hardy fuchsia introduction from Australia, bred by Graham Noel Brown in 2001 and patented in 2008 under PP19280. The name is very true since the flowers are like the most striking rear breaking lights combined with a passing police car – what the heck of a description of a flower :-) Now, seriously: the upper sepals are rich fuchsia purple and the lower tube is deep violet blue. They contrast beautifully with deep green background of handsome foliage. This variety is compact but not too dwarf – it forms and upright and lightly outwardly spreading habit. Flowering begins in late June and peaks in late summer, usually in late August and early September when the plant is literally covered with flowers.

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. Hardiness oscillates around -23°C.

Last update 29-09-2016