Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis 'Versicolor' is a hardy, upright shrub valued as much for its colourful foliage as for its elegant blooms. Its slender, arching stems feature grey-green leaves edged in cream and flushed with pink, creating a vibrant display even before the flowers appear. As it matures, it produces an abundance of delicate, pendant flowers with crimson sepals and purple petals that hang gracefully like lantern earrings, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden. For best results, plant this shrub in a sheltered spot with partial shade to protect the variegated leaves from scorching. It thrives in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly to keep the roots cool and moist, as dry soil can cause buds to drop. To ensure a fresh flush of vibrant foliage and maximum flowering, prune the stems back hard in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Please Note: Images are for illustrative purposes only and designed to be a representation of the item(s) being sold. Depending on seasonality, deciduous plants may be supplied in their dormant state and without leaves. Plants may also be pruned back, lower than stated heights, to encourage new growth.
