The rare Fuchsia fulgens - known as the "Brilliant Fuchsia" - might be longest of all Fuchsia species!  It blooms practically all year long, with glowing pink blossoms that are followed by edible fruit.  This striking bush comes from mountain cloud forests of Mexico.  It is very rare in cultivation.  I don't know any other source for fresh seeds.

Photo by Chuck B.

Fuchsia fulgens is an evergreen species that grows about 4 or 5 feet tall here in San Francisco.  Its rounded leaves are unusually large for Fuchsias.  The heaviest show of blooms is during summer, but the plant usually has flowers on it most months of the year.  The 3 inch blooms have a vivid, salmon-pink tube and silvery green sepals.  The species name "fulgens" is Latin for "brilliant".  It makes long, slender fruit that is lightly-sweet, with a flavor similar to kiwi fruit.  The plant may be crossed with some related Fuchsia species to create new hybrids.

Like most Fuchsia species, 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).  I also don't know if it can survive temperatures below freezing.  It enjoys filtered sunlight, and should be given protection from strong afternoon sun.  It grows well in a pot in a well-draining soil that is kept moist, similar to other Fuchsias.  Over about 40-50% humidity is recommended.  In the right conditions, it is easy to grow.  This species is resistant to Fuchsia mites.

Germination tips for this plant