Fuchsia, << FYOO shuh, >> is a group of tropical plants known for their bright pink and purple flowers. There are more than 100 species (kinds). Some grow as shrubs or trees. Others are trailing, climbing, or hanging vinelike plants. Fuchsias are native to Central and South America, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Gardeners around the world cultivate fuchsias.
Fuchsias are sometimes called lady’s eardrops. The cultivated species have showy hanging flowers. The flower parts are often fleshy and in contrasting bright colors. These fuchsias have trailing stems and are popularly grown in hanging baskets.
Gardeners use cuttings of fuchsias to develop new plants. The cuttings are often stored in cool greenhouses and then planted in the spring. The fuchsia is named after the German botanist Leonhard Fuchs.
