How to Grow New Zealand Fuchsia
New Zealand Fuchsia
Fuchsia excorticata
shrubNew Zealand fuchsia is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, known for its distinctive pendant flowers with red sepals and purple corollas that attract hummingbirds and native birds. It can grow into a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching 15-25 feet in its native habitat but typically smaller in cultivation. The foliage is attractive and bronze-tinged when young, with small edible dark purple berries following the flowers.
When should you plant New Zealand Fuchsia in your zone?
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Example New Zealand Fuchsia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant New Zealand Fuchsia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest New Zealand Fuchsia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact New Zealand Fuchsia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8b-11, prefers mild maritime climates; requires frost protection in zone 8
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Get my New Zealand Fuchsia timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny seedlings with initial leaf pairs emerge; very delicate with soft tissue
Provide bright indirect light, maintain high humidity, keep soil moist but not soggy, protect from direct sun and drafts
Juvenile
6-12 monthsYoung plant develops multiple stems and increasingly bronze-tinged foliage; grows 6-12 inches per year
Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions, provide partial shade, maintain consistent moisture, begin light pruning to encourage branching
Establishment
1-2 yearsPlant grows vigorously with stronger stem development and fuller branch structure; foliage matures to green
Continue regular watering, apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season, prune to shape, ensure good air circulation
Flowering
6-8 months, repeated seasonallyPendant flowers with red sepals and purple corollas appear in profusion, typically spring through fall; berries develop after flowers fade
Maintain consistent moisture, reduce nitrogen fertilizer (use phosphorus-rich formula), deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, monitor for pests
Dormancy/Winter
2-4 monthsPlant may lose some or all foliage in cooler climates; growth slows significantly, bird activity decreases
Reduce watering, provide frost protection in zones 8-9, avoid fertilizing, prune only to remove dead wood, mulch base heavily
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected foliage, improve air circulation, use sulfur sprays, disinfect pruning tools; no chemical cure; neem oil may suppress populations
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, use neem oil or sulfur sprays, maintain good air circulation
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Spray forcefully with water, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators
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and
Remove by hand at dusk, create copper barriers, apply diatomaceous earth, reduce excess moisture around base
Uses
Edible berries for preserves
CulinaryThe dark purple berries that follow flowering can be eaten fresh, cooked into jams, or used in desserts. They have a sweet, fig-like flavor with a pleasant mild taste. [source]
Native bird and pollinator food source
WildlifeThe pendant flowers attract native New Zealand birds (tuis, bellbirds, silvereyes) and hummingbirds in other regions, while berries provide food for migratory and resident birds. [source]
Landscape focal point and specimen planting
OrnamentalWith its distinctive pendant flowers, attractive foliage, and graceful growth habit, New Zealand fuchsia serves as an elegant specimen plant or focal point in shade gardens. [source]
Traditional Māori herbal use
MedicinalHistorically used in Māori traditional medicine; modern herbalists value the plant for potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Cut flowers for indoor arrangements
HouseholdThe beautiful pendant flowers last well in water and make striking, delicate additions to fresh flower arrangements and floral displays. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Edible purple berries ripen in late summer to fall and can be harvested when fully dark purple and soft to touch. Pick berries by gently pulling from branch. Berries have a mildly sweet flavor reminiscent of fig and are typically eaten fresh or used in jams. Flowers are not typically harvested but may be used as ornamental garnish. Foliage removal for composting should avoid harvesting more than 20-30% of plant annually.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 New Zealand fuchsia is one of the few fuchsia species native to the Southern Hemisphere and is known locally as 'kotukutuku' in Māori culture.
- 🌱 The distinctive bark exfoliates or peels in papery strips, giving the species name 'excorticata' (meaning 'barked' or 'stripped'), which is particularly visible on older specimens.
- 🌱 Unlike most ornamental fuchsias that are tender annuals, Fuchsia excorticata is a robust woody shrub capable of reaching tree-like proportions and living for several decades.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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