Fuchsia procumbens

An evergreen, sprawling shrub that can spread up to 1m and get to 20cm tall.

A low growing scrambling plant with small rounded green leaves and attractive upright orange tubular yellow flowers with blue pollen that bloom September to May. Afterwards striking red berries form in early winter. The flowers are unusual for a fuchsia in that they are upright rather than hanging.

A remarkably adaptable plant that can be grown in most situations. Tolerant of coastal conditions but must be planted in a frost-free site. Best planted in sun or part shade. Growth is more vigorous and leaf colour less yellow-green in part shade.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. Young plants are easier to establish than larger ones. They will grow quickly when planted in autumn when soil is moist and warm. Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring, apply organic fertiliser at a handful per square metre (e.g. blood and bone).

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre.

This plant is very easy to grow and requires little pruning other than keeping it in its allotted space in the garden.

The long growths produced often root down. These can easily be re-planted where desired. Otherwise, cuttings can be taken off soft new growth in spring or summer.

Berries dispersed by invertebrates.

Generally free of pest and disease.

Threatened Native Plant Garden