FUCHSIA. Mexico to southern South America, New Zealand. Hybrid fuchsias have long been a basic feature of the California garden. However, many ornamental species are still little known. They range from small shrublets to clambering, almost vinelike shrubs and small trees. The leaves vary remarkably in size and coloring, though most are some version of simple oval in outline. The flowers are usually pendant, with an outer skirt of four thick, colored sepals and an inner circle of four, often differently colored petals. The berry-like fruits are sometimes also decorative. A few are resistant to the dreaded fuchsia mite, though it would be wise to keep them segregated from potentially infested hybrids. Most of them thrive in the semishade, loose, fertile soils and regular watering given to hybrid fuchsias. However, some have much broader tolerances, as noted. Their hardiness also varies considerably.

arborescens. As the species name suggests, this is one of the giants of the group. In mild climates or sheltered nooks, it eventually forms a parasol shaped tree up to 25’ high. It has spreading branches with attractive, pale bark and deeply veined, softly shiny leaves up to 8" long. The flowers are borne in late spring and summer. They are individually small and spidery but carried in broad clusters. In the current, unnamed selection flower color is purplish pink. This species thrives in sun or light shade. About 25^oF.

thymifolia. A most attractive shrub, very different from one’s image of a typical fuchsia. It grows as much as 8’ tall but is easily controlled. Its slender stems are crowded with tiny, nearly round, deep green leaves. Flowers are less than ½” long but liberally sprinkled over the plant. The current, typical selection bears deep pink flowers from early spring to fall. ‘Variegata’ is a little lower and slower growing and has cream-margined leaves. Evidently 20^oF or less.