Fuchsia
Invasive Species Information

Creeping Bellflower - Campanula rapunculoides Biodiversity Medium Risk Invasive Species 14

What Is Fuchsia - (Fuchsia magellanica)?
Habitat: Terrestrial
Distribution in Ireland: naturalised in some areas
Status: Established
Family name: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
Common name/s: Hardy Fuchsia, Hummingbird Fuchsia, Magellan Fuchsia

Reproduction:

Fuchsia spreads through both seed production and vegetative propagation:

Seed Dispersal: The berries are dispersed by birds and animals, which eat the fruit and excrete the seeds.
Vegetative Propagation: The shrub can also spread through layering, where branches touching the ground develop roots. It can easily regenerate from cuttings or after being cut back.

Fuchsia Flower Bud

Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica) is a deciduous shrub known for its striking tubular flowers and arching branches.

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy blooms and hardiness. Native to South America, it can naturalise in some areas and become invasive in suitable climates.

Fuchsia Flower

Fuchsia is native to the southern regions of South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. It has been introduced to many temperate regions as an ornamental plant. Its preferred habitats include:

Gardens and Parks: Commonly used in landscaping and hedging due to its hardiness and attractive flowers.
Woodland Edges and Hedgerows: Can grow in semi-shaded areas, such as woodland edges, hedgerows, and along paths.
Coastal Areas: Often found in coastal gardens where it can tolerate exposure to wind and salt spray.

The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.

How To Identify Fuchsia?

Fuchsia - Fuchsia magellanica ID Card V7-4.png

Leaf: The leaves are opposite, ovate, and toothed, measuring 2-8 cm in length
Flower: Produces pendulous, tubular flowers with a characteristic red or magenta outer sepals and purple or pink inner petals
Stem: The stems are woody and arching, with young stems often reddish in colour
Fruit: Forms small, dark purple to black berries, each 1-1.5 cm long
Root: The root system is fibrous and spreading

Fuchsia - Fuchsia magellanica ID Guide

Fuchsia magellanica - var.-ricartonii-1.jpg

Fuchsia Flowers

Fuchsia-magellanica-var-molinae - Stem 1.jpg

Fuchsia Stem

Fuchsia magellanica - Stem & Leaves 1.jpg

Fuchsia Leaves

Fuchsia Fruit

Why Is Fuchsia A Problem?

Fuchsia can have various ecological impacts, particularly in areas where it becomes dominant:

Competition with Native Species: It can form dense thickets, potentially displacing native plants and altering habitat structure.
Support for Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a nectar source, although this can sometimes favour non-native pollinators.
Habitat for Birds: The berries and dense growth can offer food and shelter for birds, although this may come at the expense of native plant diversity.

Managing Fuchsia involves regular maintenance to prevent it from spreading excessively:

Mechanical Control: Pruning and cutting back the plant regularly can help maintain its size and shape. Digging out unwanted plants may be necessary in naturalised areas.
Chemical Control: Herbicides can be used to control larger infestations, though this is typically not required for garden settings.
Preventative Measures: Avoid planting Fuchsia in or near natural habitats where it may escape and become established.