There's been so much interest in the white version of this flower, i decided to share the red form.  The Bolivian Fuchsia - Fuchsia boliviana - is a gorgeous, rare species from the Andes that creates an exotic "rainforest look" in any garden.  All throughout the year, it sends down long, hanging clusters of 4-5" flowers of a vibrant fluorescent red.  After flowering, it makes bright-red, edible fruits!  The lush, oversized leaves and tree-like shape add to the tropical look.  This is an extremely showy species that deserves center-stage in the garden.  And when grown next to the white form, the effect is stunning!

The white form.  Click here to see the auction.

The Bolivian Fuchsia grows in the cool cloudforests, where it doesn't freeze, but it also doesn't get very hot.  The plant should be protected from frost.  It does wonderfully in places like coastal California and the Pacific Northwest.  If you're going to attempt it in warmer areas like the South, give it mid-day shade and plenty of air circulation (not recommended for very hot or dry areas).  You can grow it indoors in a pot over the winter, pruning it to 3 or 4 feet if necessary.  Outdoors, it grows into a 12-15 foot tree!  This is a vigorous plant and a prolific bloomer.

The inch-long fruits make for great snacking in the garden!

Fuchsia boliviana is easy to grow and grows fast.  It prefers rich, well-draining soil that's kept moist.  It likes tree-filtered sun, or morning sun + bright shade.  It is generally resistant to Fuchsia mite.  This is a species Fuchsia, so the seeds grow "true" to the parents, unlike hybrid fuchsias.  It flowers almost every month of the year!

The red and white forms growing together

The ancient Incas grew this exotic flower centuries ago, and the fruits are still sold in South American markets.  They taste sort of like Kiwi fruit, but less sweet.  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. :-)

Birds love the fruits!

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