Fuchsia Bella Rosella

Fuchsia 'Bella Rosella' may be the most spectacular in our collection. This vigorous trailing variety is characterised by oversized and brightly coloured pink flowers in two tones: the "underskirt" is a bright pink, topped with delicate pale-pink wings. They are produced profusely from summer until the first frost. This plant requires regular watering and fertiliser. It will look magnificent when grown in hanging baskets.

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 'Bella Rosella' is a Californian horticultural variety. The plant quickly forms a well-branched trailing bush, reaching a height of 60cm (24in) when in bloom and a width of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in). Its flowering period extends from June to September-October. Its flowers appear in great numbers for a very long period. They measure 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. Each flower consists of a tube extended by 4 long pale-pink sepals that are curved slightly upwards, and a double corolla of wider petals in a vibrant pink, nestled within the outer corolla of sepals. Long bright pink stamens and a white pistil complete the harmony of colours. 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 -2°C (28.4°F) in open ground.

Usually grown as an annual, Fuchsia 'Bella Rosella' is a perennial that can be grown in a large pot that can be brought indoors during winter to protect 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!

They are supplied as green plants measuring 4 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in cases of 5 small plugs with a diameter of 2.8cm (1in) and a height of 4cm (2in). Our plants are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be planted in open ground.

Please note, our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, repot and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.