Fuchsia Bella Mariska

Fuchsia Mariska is a particularly floriferous hybrid variety from the Bella series. It develops a compact and branched habit that is ideal for containers. From June to October, it is covered with semi-erect bicolored flowers that stand out against the dark green foliage. The pink sepals reveal a simple corolla of magenta-violet. It is easy to grow in partial shade, in fertile, moist and light soil.

There are thousands of hybrid fuchsias. For the most part, they are derived from Fuchsia magellanica and F. fulgens, with occasional contributions from F. triphylla, which adds length to the flowers, characterised by thin tubes and violet-hued undersides of the leaves. All these herbaceous to woody plants, varying in hardiness and growth habit, belong to the Onagraceae family.

Fuchsia Mariska quickly forms a small bushy plant with a semi-erect habit, 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in) tall and wide. Its flowering period extends from June to September-October. Its single flowers are composed of a tube extended by 4 long and curled medium pink sepals, and a corolla of wider and shorter petals in magenta-violet, nestled within the outer corolla of sepals. Long red stamens add to the colour harmony. The stems are initially herbaceous, becoming somewhat woody as the season progresses. They bear an abundance of foliage composed of slender deciduous leaves. They are opposite, whorled in groups of 3 or 5, with entire, dentate margins, measuring 3cm (1in) in length. The lanceolate leaves are a glossy dark green. Its hardiness does not exceed -3°C (26.6°F) in open ground.

Usually grown as an annual, Fuchsia Mariska is a perennial that can be grown in a large pot that can be brought indoors in winter to protect it from frost. It can also grow in open ground for one season. Fuchsias pair well with the foliage of ferns, silver candles, orange or pink heucheras, and blue or light green hostas. In a mixed container, they can be planted with ivy, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', lobelias, or Madagascar periwinkles. This fuchsia also creates a striking effect when combined with dark-coloured coleus varieties such as 'Black Prince' or FlameThrower Salsa Roja..

Discovered in Santo Domingo in the 17th century and acclimatised in Europe, it was named Fuchsia (not Fuschia) in honour of a German botanist named Fuchs. Native to South America, botanical fuchsias have gradually multiplied. There are now believed to be tens of thousands of hybrids!