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Description
Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is an attractive and popular cultivar of the Fuchsia plant, known for its vibrant and eye-catching flowers. It is a hybrid of Fuchsia magellanica and Fuchsia excorticata, and was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1970.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Fuchsia |
Appearance
The Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and wide. It has ovate leaves that are dark green in color and serrated edges. The flowers are pendulous and are about 4-6 cm long and 4-5 cm wide. The petals are pinkish-red in color and have a lighter pink hue towards the center. The sepals are green in color and are longer than the petals. The stamens and pistil are prominent and are purple in color.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle to thrive. Here’s a quick guide:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade, and should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.
- Hardiness Zones: The Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and deformation of leaves and flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestation.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestation.
- Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on leaves and flowers. Remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation to prevent spread.
- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Remove infected plant parts and avoid overwatering to prevent spread.
Habitat
The Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is native to South America, but is widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world. It prefers cool and moist climates, and is commonly grown as a container plant or in hanging baskets.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle tolerate frost?
A: No, the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I prune my Fuchsia Brookwood Belle?
A: Prune the plant in early spring to promote bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can I grow the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle indoors?
A: Yes, the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate light and humidity.
Q: How long does the Fuchsia Brookwood Belle bloom for?
A: The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Related Plants
- Fuchsia Magellanica
- Fuchsia Excorticata
- Fuchsia Boliviana
- Fuchsia Fulgens
- Fuchsia Paniculata
References
- “Fuchsia Brookwood Belle.” RHS Gardening, Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/804/i-Fuchsia-Brookwood-Belle-i/Details.
- “Fuchsia Brookwood Belle.” Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c605.
- “Fuchsia Brookwood Belle.” Gardenia, Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant/fuchsia-brookwood-belle.
