The Bolivian Fuchsia (Fuchsia boliviana) is a gorgeous, rare species that's truly a delight! All throughout the year, it sends down exotic, hanging clusters of 4" flowers in a stunning combination of pure white and fluorescent red. The trumpet-shaped blooms open progressively down the cluster over several months, followed by tasty, green fruits! This unusual, tree-like Fuchsia comes from the Andes, where it grows over 15 feet tall! It's lush, oversized leaves give it a great "rainforest" look. This is an extremely showy species that deserves center-stage in the garden!

The Bolivian Fuchsia grows in the cool cloud forests, where it doesn't freeze, but it also doesn't get very hot. It might not thrive in areas that are consistenly hot, particularly if nights are warm. If other Fuchsias are grown in your area, you should be able to grow this one. It can only handle a few degrees of frost; protection from freezing temperatures is recommended. You may grow it in a pot and move it indoors over the winter, pruning it to 3 or 4 feet tall if necessary. Some humidity is needed for it to thrive. It prefers tree-filtered sun, or morning sun + bright shade. In the right conditions, it is a vigorous plant, blooming almost every month of the year! This species is resistant to Fuchsia mites.

The ancient Incas cultivated this exotic plant centuries ago, and the fruits are still sold in South American markets. They taste sort of like Kiwi fruit, but not as sweet. It's refreshing to pluck the fruits while walking through the garden! Indoors, you'll need to pollinate the flowers with a paint brush if you want to get fruit. But it's safe to say that most people would grow this plant for the flowers! :-)