Species and Encliandra

Species...

Is a genius of flowering plants that consist of mostly shrubs or small trees. The first F.triphylla was discovered on the Caribbean island of Haita in about 1696-1697 by Charles Plumier. There are about 122 recognised fuchsia species, the vast majority are natives of South America through to Central America and Mexico, also several from New Zealand to Tahiti.

The variety in these species is fascinating, they have long tubes some up to 4'' and are often in shades of orange. Some have red sepals longer than their tubes and purple corollas. However F.procumbens is a common ground cover, it is hardy, perky and easy to grow.

Encliandra...

Have a strong wiry growth with tiny leaves and flowers, the flowers have four outer stamens and four hidden inside the flowers. Flower colours range from white to red and many shades of pink. A number set fruit quite easily and after the flowers they are followed by their fruit which a large, dark purple berries.  They have small leaves that come in a variety of shades of green to silver-grey and some variegated. 

Encliandra prefer slightly cooler conditions, those with paler flowers do well in semi-shade, while darker flowered will tolerate full sun. Some hardy varieties can survive our winters but take a few cutting just in case. They prefer soil-based compost but can be grown successfully in soil-free if fed with a high nitrogen or balanced fertiliser.

Encliandra fuchsia's are easy to grow and are a excellent choice for training into rings, fans, pillars, bonsai or through a wire-meshed shape. At the end of the season it is advisable to cut the branches back and keep the compost on the dry side.