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Turquoise Puya

Fuchsia denticulata

Fuchsia denticulata is a gorgeous, rare species that you're unlikely to find at nurseries.  Bright as a fruit cocktail, these festive blooms appear most months of the year, with their outrageous color combination of cherry-red, orange, pink, and lime green!  My camera just doesn't capture the intensity of their flamboyant colors!  It is rarely seen for sale.

Fuchsia denticulata comes from the mountains of Peru and Bolivia.  It is an evergreen bush that grows to about 10 feet tall here in San Francisco, although you can prune it to any size you need.  The lush foliage is a lovely dark green, which makes a great backdrop for the bright blooms.  The flowers appear practically all year, including winter, when most other plants lack color.  The 3 inch long blossoms have a bright orange corolla, and white sepals with bright green tips.  The tube is cherry red fading to pink, and is topped with a lime green ovary.  After flowering, it makes purple fruit that is edible!  It is mildly sweet, tasting somewhat like kiwi fruit but less sweet. 

Fuchsia denticulata

Fuchsia denticulata comes from cloud forests of the Andes mountains, where temperatures are mild year-round and nights are cool.  It is said to be one of the more heat-resistant Fuchsias, although i don't know if it will thrive if temperatures regularly get above 85 degrees F (29°C), especially if nights are warm (above 65°F / 18°C).  It is reported to handle down to about 25 degrees F (-4°C), although i recommend protecting it from prolonged frosts.  It grows well in a container indoors.  Like most Fuchsias, it prefers moist, well-draining soil, and filtered sun or morning sun.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  In the right conditions, it's easy to grow.

Fuchsia denticulata

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Germination tips for this plant

 

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Turquoise Puya

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