Fuchsia regia 'Regal'

A vigourous shrub, and a long bloomer, Fuchsia regia 'Regal' (Regal Fuchsia) has elegant, showy, drooping bi-coloured blooms that range in colour from red to crimson, and lavender to purple. Blooms can range in size from 1.9 to 2.25 inches long and 0.59 to 0.75 inches wide. Fuchsia regia 'Regal' grows to 6 ft long and 3 ft wide. It tends to produce long arching stems, and does well when trained to a fence, trellis or other garden architecture. Regal Fuchsia can also take on a lower, shrub-like form if pruned accordingly.

Produces highly ornamental dark, oval fruits that are edible, and high in vitamins. The flowers are also edible. Harvest when fully open. Use the petals as a salad, garnish, or frozen inside ice cubes for a pretty party drink.

Grows well in a number of sun exposures, but do protect from hot, sunny locations. Favours east or north locations and humidity. Mulch heavily where winters are cold, or grow it in a container outdoors in the summer, and bring it in to a cold frame during the coldest winter months. Prune back dead or dying branches in spring to encourage growth.