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How to Grow Tree Fuchsia

iNaturalist

Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata

tree

Tree Fuchsia is a deciduous to semi-evergreen native tree from New Zealand with distinctive peeling bark, delicate purple and red tubular flowers, and small purple berries. It grows 20-40 feet tall in its native habitat but is often cultivated as a smaller ornamental tree in gardens. The plant is prized for its elegant drooping flowers and exotic appearance in temperate climates.

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Example Tree Fuchsia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Tree Fuchsia

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Tree Fuchsia

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tree Fuchsia dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 4-6 hours of indirect light daily. Protect from hot afternoon sun in warmer zones.
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply during growing season. Reduce watering in winter when dormant. Provide humidity in dry climates.
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Spacing: 48 inches
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Days to maturity:
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; top of root ball should be level with ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Bark chips for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8b-10, with protection recommended in zone 8b

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

6-12 months

Young tree with developing root system and initial stem growth

Water regularly to establish roots. Mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing first year. Protect from wind and frost.

2

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Rapid stem and leaf development, no flowers yet

Provide consistent moisture and light shade. Prune to shape structure if desired. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.

3

Flowering

3-4 months (spring to summer)

Delicate purple-red tubular flowers with exserted stamens appear in late spring through summer

Maintain consistent watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Provide filtered light.

4

Fruiting

2-3 months (late summer to fall)

Small purple berries develop after flowers fade; attractive to birds

Allow some flowers to remain for fruit development. Maintain regular watering schedule.

5

Dormancy

3-4 months (winter)

Tree loses leaves in cooler climates; remains semi-evergreen in warmer zones

Reduce watering significantly. Avoid fertilizing. Remove dead branches after winter. Protect from hard freezes.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Astilbe Japanese Anemone Ferns Hydrangea Camellia Rhododendron

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees Eucalyptus trees Plants requiring very dry conditions

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap if severe

  • Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap

  • Prune infested branches, spray with neem oil or horticultural oil

  • Prune affected areas, dormant oil spray in winter, horticultural oil

Uses

🍳

Edible Berries

Culinary

The small purple berries are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and preserves. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

The distinctive tubular flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and add an exotic, delicate touch to floral designs. [source]

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Bird and Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies with their nectar, while the berries feed native birds and other wildlife. [source]

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Exotic Landscape Feature

Ornamental

With its peeling bark, elegant drooping flowers, and graceful growth habit, Tree Fuchsia serves as a striking focal point in temperate gardens and shade woodland areas. [source]

💊

Traditional Māori Uses

Medicinal

In New Zealand traditional medicine, various parts of the tree have been used by Māori people for their potential health properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Tree Fuchsia is primarily ornamental; flowers can be picked for fresh arrangements by cutting stems early in the morning. Berries naturally drop when ripe and are consumed by birds—no harvesting required.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Fuchsia excorticata is native to New Zealand and is called 'Kōtukutuku' in Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.
  • 🌱 The peeling, papery bark is distinctive and attractive, shedding to reveal cinnamon-colored bark underneath—giving the species its name 'excorticata' (meaning stripped of bark).
  • 🌱 In its native habitat, this tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and is an important food source for New Zealand birds, particularly the bellbird (Anthornis melanura).

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Mulch Partial Shade
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