Fuchsia procumbens

[bibliofloris]

Came across a small plant of Fuchsia procumbens at a local nursery today, and snatched it up! (I love small, odd plants, and plants with greenish flowers.)

I haven’t grown this one before, and it looks like it’s borderline hardy here, so I thought I’d put it in a pot for now. Any suggestions for what size pot? It’s currently in a 4-inch pot, but it looks like it will spread?

Also, any tips for cuttings? I figured I’d start a few softwood ones now.

[David Lyttle]

Should be hardy in Seattle unless you are prone to get frosts. A 2- 2.5 litre pot would be good for a start. It is generally low-growing and forms large patches. If you keep it warm and sheltered in a green house it can grow quite vigourously.

[bibliofloris]

Thanks, David! Would you go with a low, wide pot, since it spreads? or something with more room for roots to go down? I wasn’t sure if it layers along the branches naturally.

I think it might be hardy here, but our minimum winter temperatures can get as low as 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C), though usually for only a night or two; 25 to 40 degrees F (-4 to 5 degrees C) is more typical for the cold part of winter. It’s worth a try, but I’d rather risk a cutting, once i get some established.