This a rare offering of Fuchsia cinerea from mountain forests of Ecuador and neighboring Colombia.  This beautiful species blooms practically all year, with its long, pink tubes and fluorescent orange petals.  My camera has a hard time capturing their intense colors, but i can assure you they are bright!  This species is very rare in cultivation, but it's a choice plant for collectors.  Fresh seeds might not be available elsewhere online.

Fuchsia cinerea is an evergreen bush that grows about 4 feet tall and wide here in San Francisco, and reportedly larger in the wild.  The plant is rarely without blooms, with the largest show from spring through autumn.  The bright, 2 inch blossoms are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.  After flowering, it makes large green fruits that are edible.  They have a lightly-sweet flavor, making them a nice treat while roaming through the garden!  You might be able to cross-breed the plant with some related Fuchsia species to create new hybrids.

Like most Fuchsias, it prefers mild daytime temperatures and cool nights.  It can tolerate warm days provided that nights are cool.  I don't know if it will thrive if temperatures regularly get above 85 degrees F (29 C) and nights are above 65 degrees F (18 C).  It probably can only survive a light frost, so it's best to protect it from freezing temperatures.  It prefers part sun, with protection from strong afternoon sun.  It grows well in a pot in a well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist, similar to other Fuchsias.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  This species is resistant to Fuchsia mites.

Germination tips for this plant