Also known as lady’s eardrop, Fuchsia flowers are fascinating blooms that will add a pop of color to any garden. The uniqueness of fuchsia flowers lies in their eye-catching pendant or hanging lantern-shaped flowers with frilly petals. The flowers bloom in a range of colors and the fuchsia flower meaning changes with each hue.
Fuchsia is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Onagraceae or the family of evening primrose or willowherb. Most Fuchsia varieties are native to Central and South America but some are also found in Zealand and the Island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Fuschias have been hybridized greatly and now more than three thousand varieties make identification and selection an overwhelming task.
This pretty flowering plant variety was introduced to Britain in 1788. Botanically, Charles Plumier, a French minim monk discovered this plant in the Caribbean Islands of Tahiti and the Dominican Republic in the year 1695. He named the genus Fuchsia after the German botanist and physician, Leonhart Fuchs. Its scientific name is Fuchsia triphylla. There are more than three thousand varieties of Fuchsia some of them are –
- Swingtime fuchsia
- Lady in black
- Dollar princess
- Bolivian Fuchsia
- Fuchsia Paniculata
- Seventh Heaven
- Hardy Fuchsia
- Fuchsia magellanica Aurea
- Fuchsia Fulgens
- Indian Maid
- Harry Gray
- Blush of Dawn
Some fuchsia plants are trailing whereas some stand upright. Most of the varieties are perennials but in areas that have extremely cold winters, fuchsia may be grown as ornamental annuals. Fuschia plants are excellent additions to gardens or front porches in hanging baskets. Based on different color blooms, Fuchsia flower meaning are linked to different emotions.
Fuchsia species have existed for millions of years. It is closely related to the Circaea genus commonly known as the enchanter’s nightshade. This species is believed to be connected to enchantress Circe and her magic, in Greek mythology. However, the two species were separated about 41 million years ago.
Although the first varieties of Fuchsias entered Europe in the late 1780s, they were not popularized until the 1820s. By the 1840s several breeders were cultivating several varieties of this flowering plant that were imported from Meso- and South America. Breeders in England, Germany, France, and Belgium started publicizing their stocks through litho printed pamphlets and botanical illustrations.
Fuchsia flowers got a further boost of recognition and became more popular with French painter Claude Monet’s famous painting, Camille at the Window, Argenteuil. Fuchsias were a source of inspiration for Monet as he painted his wife standing, framed by colorful fuchsias arranged artfully. His bold strokes and vivid choice of colors increased the aesthetic appeal of Fuchsias and made them better known among enthusiastic gardeners.
Fuchsias grow well in partial or full sun. Scorching heat and extremely windy spots can harm the plants and the delicate flowers. Fuchsias are not too fussy about the kind of soil they grow in. Well-drained soil keeps the plants healthy.
Now, fuchsias are common garden flowers cherished for their ornamental and colorful flowers. Fuchsia flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and birds like hummingbirds to the garden. Fuchsia flowers, berries, and leaves are all edible. The flowers have long, vibrant sepals and provide an abundant source of nectar to the pollinators. Fuchsia berries taste somewhat similar to figs or kiwis. Jams are also prepared with Fuchsia berries due to their sweet taste and delicate flavor. Thousands of cultivars grow in different habits with a variety of vibrant colorful flowers.
What do Fuchsia flowers symbolize?
Fuchsia flower meaning and symbolism differ in different cultures.
In western Ireland, these pretty flowers are called ‘deora De’ meaning God’s Teardrops. The significance of the name may be connected to the flower’s drooping bell-shaped appearance. Fuchsia’s grow in abundance in Ireland. The flower has a fun side to it. Children often pop open the inflated buds gently to reveal the colorful petals placed inside. A popular amusement with the flower involves making pin-head ballerina dolls by removing the stigma and six of the eight stamens. The nectar of the flowers is also often sucked by popping the head open.
The Fuchsia flower meaning is closely connected to elegance and good taste due to its pretty flowers that look like a ballerina in a skit. These blooms are also a symbol of confiding love, confidence in a person, friendship, and amiability.
During the Tynwald Day (Manx Day) celebrations in The Isle of Man, on July 5, the preferred floral emblem is the Fuchsia flower.
Throughout history, Fuchsia flowers have represented a myriad of sentiments. Deep love, healing, grace, and trust, were some connotations of this flower in the Victorian flower language.
The cheerful, vibrant, playful look of Fuchsia is a mood enhancer and can be quite uplifting. The Flower is also the name of a purplish-red color that represents liveliness, uniqueness, maturity, and self-assurance. The warm, eye-catching color is connected to confidence and commands attention.
Fuchsia flowers also have a healing touch. Fuchsia essence is said to help in accepting long-repressed emotions, grief, pain, and suffering. The flowery remedy is believed to clear emotional blockages.
Fuchsia flowers are also linked to certain myths. It is believed that in ancient times in some cultures, this flower was sent as a warning sign for others. Flowers were also left in front of houses as a form of protection. As some folktales go, fuchsia flowers could be turned into fairies or beautiful women.
What do the various colors of the Fuchsia flower mean
Fuchsia flowers bloom in different colors. Some are subtle, subdued, and delicate whereas some boldly stand out in the garden among other flowers.
The Fuchsia flower meaning changes with every color, light or dark. The darker colors like purplish-red and dark pink represent cheerfulness, energy, and exude a happy vibe. Let’s take a closer look at the Fuchsia flower meaning according to the color.
Red: Shades of red represent a wide range of feelings and emotions. But, mostly red is connected to passion and love. Like most flowers, red Fuchsia stands for love, passion, and confidence in someone.
Pink: Pink Fuchsia is associated with femininity, kindness, playfulness, and sweetness.
Purple: Purple Fuchsias usually bloom in a dark purple shade that represents royalty, success, luxury, wealth, and elegance. Apart from its flamboyant side, purple Fuchsia also represents thoughtfulness.
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White: White is a delicate color. It stands for purity, sympathy, honesty, innocence, and new beginnings. White Fuchsias also represent all these emotions. However, there are very few varieties of Fuchsia plants that bear completely white flowers. Hawkshead, White King, and White Joy are some of the pure white flowering varieties.
Orange: Bold and bright, orange Fuchsias are associated with excitement, success, joy, encouragement, determination, health, stimulation, balance, sexuality, and fascination.
Interesting facts and characteristics of the Fuchsia flower
- The unique shape of Fuchsia flowers is specifically adapted to accommodate hummingbirds accessing the nectar.
- Edible, fuchsia flowers and berries are used in several foods including jams, chutneys, and baked goods.
- Fuchsia berries have a slightly tart flavor. The colorful flowers are also used as a decorative garnish.
- Despite their long existence on earth, Fuchsia flowers do not find a mention in Greek and Roman mythology due to their late introduction to Europe.
Best time to gift someone Fuchsia flowers
Fuchsias are not ideal cut flowers. These ornamental flowers look good on the plant and add a pop of color to the garden.
Even though you cannot give someone Fuchsia flowers as a gift, you can give seeds and potted plants to express confidence in someone. They look wonderful in hanging baskets and can be gifted on birthdays, or any other happy occasion. You can even choose an appropriate Fuchsia variety to add meaning to your Mother’s Day flower gift.
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