Plant Primer: Swingtime fuchsia

Swingtime fuchsia

Light: Indirect sun, part shade

Height: 12 inches

Spread: 24 inches

Hardiness: Zones 9-11 (annual)

Origin: Central and South America

Swingtime fuchsia (Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’) is not an average fuchsia.

This one has medium-green, ovate leaves with burgundy veining and petiole (the stalk that connects the leaf to the stem).

The flowers start as red buds. When the bud covers open, they expose double white, frilly petals with red veining. Flower buds and flowers will cover and swing across this plant. Fuchsias bloom on new branches, so pinching them regularly keeps the plant blooming all summer.

The overall shape is mounding with arching branches, which makes this fuchsia a perfect selection for a hanging basket.

Finding the right garden spot for fuchsia is tricky. It thrives in part shade but fails in bright sunshine and will stop flowering in full shade. Think of the ideal spot as "bright shade."

Keep the soil evenly moist because the Swingtime fuchsia hates standing water as well as summer heat. Just remember: moist soil and some shade.

See a Swingtime fuchsia just hanging around in the South Conservatory at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold, Franklin Park Conservatory