This a close look at the rare Fuchsia andrei from cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru.  This gorgeous species flowers nearly all year, with loads of vibrant orange blossoms.  My camera has a hard time capturing the intensity of the color, but they practically glow!  Both the flowers and the leaves are glossy, which is rather unusual for Fuchsias.  This is a choice plant for collectors.  It is very rare in cultivation, and might not be available elsewhere online.

Fuchsia andrei is an evergreen species that grows 3 to 4 feet tall here in San Francisco.  It reportedly grows over 10 feet tall in the wild.  Its attractive leaves make a great backdrop for the vivid, orange blooms, which appear most months of the year.  The flowers are about 2 inches long, and have distinctive, crinkled petals.  Hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms  After flowering, it makes purple 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 enjoys mild daytime temperatures and cool nights.  I don't know its climate tolerances, but i suspect it might not 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 grows well in a pot in a well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist, similar to other Fuchsias.  It prefers part sun, with protection from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40-45% humidity is recommended for this cloud forest plant.  This species is resistant to Fuchsia mites.

Germination tips for this plant