Fuchsia magellanica Lam. var. gracilis L.H.Bailey

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This fine species of Fuchsia was raised from Mexican seed, in the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, in 1822.’  [BR f.847/1824].  John Lindley later commented in the Botanical Register that Fuchsia gracilis var. multiflora was ‘by far the most beautiful of the fuchias that have of late been introduced; resembling F. gracilis in the brilliance of its flowers, but surpassing it in the profusion with which they are produced.’  [BR 1052/1827].  It is figured in Loddiges’ Botanical Cabinet as Fuchsia multiflora: ‘A native of Chili, first raised in 1820, by the Hort Soc, from whom we obtained it.  It appears to be equally hardy with the former kinds.’  [LBC no.1415/1828].  This is probably the variety of F. gracilis grown commonly today.  ‘A slender twiggy kind, grows very tall; the flowers are large and hang very pendant.  This kind flowers well in large pots or the open ground, but requires a rich soil.’  [FC p.176/1834].  LBC no.934/1824.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine figures the variegated form, Fuchsia decussata Graham, which was raised from seed sent from Chili in 1822 by Cruikshank.  [BM t.2507/1824].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.480/1843].  Fuchsia gracilis was ticked in a copy of the Horticultural Register, August 1831.  Although this publication originally belonged to James Bowman, it is likely that it was grown by the extended Macarthur family earlier than 1843.

Notes