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Description
Fuchsia Flying Cloud is a stunning hybrid variety of Fuchsia. It was developed by the legendary breeder Peter Bayliss in the United Kingdom in 1983. This plant is known for its long-lasting blooming period, which starts in late spring and lasts until the first frost. Its delicate flowers are a combination of pale pink and lavender, and they hang gracefully from the branches, giving the plant a cloud-like appearance. This plant is perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardening.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Fuchsia |
Appearance
The Fuchsia Flying Cloud is a bushy, upright plant that can grow up to 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and they have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are pendulous, meaning they hang downwards, and are about 1.5 inches long. The sepals are pale pink, while the corollas are lavender with a darker pink tinge. The flowers have a delicate, sweet fragrance that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Fuchsia Flying Cloud is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Sunlight: The Fuchsia Flying Cloud prefers partial shade to full shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Fuchsia Flying Cloud is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: These small, white insects can also cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.
- Crown Gall: This bacterial disease causes lumpy growths on the stems and roots of the plant. There is no cure, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
The Fuchsia Flying Cloud is a hybrid variety that was developed in the United Kingdom. It prefers a cool, moist climate and partial to full shade. It can be grown in containers or in the ground, as long as the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize my Fuchsia Flying Cloud?
A: Feed your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: Can the Fuchsia Flying Cloud tolerate full sun?
A: No, this plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and flowers.
Q: What is the blooming period of the Fuchsia Flying Cloud?
A: This plant has a long-lasting blooming period that starts in late spring and lasts until the first frost.
Q: How do I propagate my Fuchsia Flying Cloud?
A: You can propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the plant in a warm, bright location until roots have formed.
Related Plants
- Fuchsia ‘Dollar Princess’
- Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’
- Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’
- Fuchsia ‘Tom West’
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Fuchsia spp. Fuchsia. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp025
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Fuchsia ‘Flying Cloud’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17457/Fuchsia-Flying-Cloud-(H)/Details
- BBC. (n.d.). Fuchsia. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/496.shtml
