Types of Fuchsia With Pointed Branches

Upright Fuchsia

• Upright fuchsias are often called the bush fuchsias because they develop a distinctive bushing form, much like that of a chrysanthemum. Branches and leaves grow stiff and upright, with flowers often dangling underneath. Gardeners who have discovered the upright fuchsia use them for borders, small hedges and containerized plants. Like other fuchsias, the winter hardiness of upright fuchsias varies widely, the most tender will not survive beyond USDA zone 10. Others can tolerate winters in zone 6 and beyond.

Fuchsia Care

• Fuchsias are heavy feeders, whether in the garden or in a pot. They require loose, well draining soil and frequent feeding with a liquid fertilizer. Allow them to dry out between waterings for best results. Daytime temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal, but most fuchsias will not tolerate significantly colder nighttime temperatures, even while dormant.

Wintering Over

• Most fuchsias can be wintered over and encouraged to bloom year after year. Gradually reduce watering beginning in October, by November the plant should only be watered enough to keep the medium from drying out entirely. Store the plant in a cool, light room where temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees can be maintained. Trim upright fuchsias back to the main laterals in the spring before new growth begins to encourage healthy new growth. Gradually begin watering and fertilizing again when growth begins and move the plant to a slightly warmer location.

Cultivars

• Upright fuchsias cultivars come in a variety of colors and sizes. Single blooming upright fuchsias include Beacon, Black Prince, Gartenmeister Bonstedt, Mme Corneiliessen and Santa Claus. Semi-doubles are less numerous, but can be found in cultivars Goteborg, Jingle Bells and Papoose. Double flowering fuchsias Dollar Princess, Hollydale, Swingtime, Voodoo and Winston Churchill will give a show unlike any other upright plant.

Look Alikes

• Phygelius, also known as cape fuschia, resemble the upright fuchsias. They are relatives of the snapdragon, but their flowers and those of the single fuchsias are similar enough to lead to confusion. Phygelius tolerates considerably hotter temperatures and do not seem to require a dormancy period. The California fuchsia (Epilobium californicum) is not a proper member of the fuchsia family, either, though its cultural requirements much more closely match the family. These plants also hold single, fuchsia-like flowers on tall stalks, but have narrower foliage.