Fuchsia boliviana

Bolivian Fuchsia

Fuchsia boliviana is a stunning, tender flowering shrub native to the cloud forests of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. This plant boasts vibrant red tubular flowers in long, drooping clusters, primarily blooming in late-summer. With large, velvety leaves, Fuchsia boliviana can reach heights of up to 4 metres if kept in a frost-free environment.

Its ornamental beauty and dramatic, hanging flowers make it a popular choice for gardens. Although the foliage can survive brief dips just below freezing, the plant will die back after a long frost. However the plant can survive in the mildest parts of the UK, behaving as a herbaceous perennial. Alternatively, it is quite happy living in a large pot which can be brought undercover for winter. Perfect for adding a tropical touch to landscapes, Fuchsia boliviana is a must-have for exotic plant enthusiasts.

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Origin: Peru, Bolivia and northern Argentina

Genus: Fuchsia

Species / Cultivar: boliviana

Common Name: Bolivian Fuchsia

Plant Biography

Fuchsia boliviana, a member of the Onagraceae family, was first described by the English botanist George Bentham in 1844. Bentham’s description was based on specimens collected during botanical explorations in South America. He was a prominent botanist known for his extensive work in plant taxonomy and his contributions to the understanding of various plant species, including those in the genus Fuchsia, named after the German botanist Leonhart Fuchs.

Native to the cloud forests of Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru, this species thrives in high-altitude, humid environments. It has been cultivated for its striking ornamental qualities, particularly its vibrant red tubular flowers and large, velvety leaves.

Light: Bright Indirect

This plant likes sun, but keep out of direct sunlight. Best placed in an area near a window.

Soil: Moist but Well Drained

Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.

Growth Rate: Fast

Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.

Water Requirement: Medium

Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.

Maintenance: Moderate

Some special care needed, which may include pruning or winter protection.

Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade

Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.

Eventual Height: 2.5-4m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 1-1.5m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Half Hardy

Will need protection from frosts in order to survive winter, eg. with fleece jacket.

Habit: Semi Evergreen

May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.

Lifecycle: Perennial

This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.

Care & Size Guidance

Fuchsia boliviana thrives in cool, humid environments and will grow in full sun, but prefers some partial shade, particularly in the afternoon. It requires well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. This shrub can reach heights of up to 4 metres and spreads outwards with a similar width, making it ideal as a focal point in gardens or landscapes.

Pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and encourage prolific flowering, typically in late-summer when its vibrant red tubular flowers bloom in long, drooping clusters.

In the mildest parts of the UK, you can try growing it outside in a sheltered microclimate, preferably with some overhead canopy. Protect from frost by covering with a fleece jacket. If it gets frosted back, apply a thick layer of mulch to protect it from further cold and it should re-sprout from the roots in spring.