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Turquoise Puya

Red Fuchsia boliviana

There's been so much interest in the white version of this flower, i decided to share the red form. The Red 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" flowers of a vibrant fluorescent red. The lush, oversized leaves and tree-like shape add to the tropical look. After flowering, it makes tasty, bright red fruits! 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!

Red Fuchsia boliviana

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 grow 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.

Also see the beautiful white form!

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! :-)

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Turquoise Puya

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