Fuchsia Boliviana
Fuchsia boliviana Carriere
Fuchsia boliviana is a large, evergreen shrub from the cloud forests of the Andes, prized for its spectacular drooping clusters of scarlet-red tubular flowers that bloom nearly year-round. Sacred to the Incas and known in Quechua as chimpu-chimpu, it symbolizes confiding love, royal heritage, and the heartbeat of the Andes.
Onagraceae (Willowherb family)
Late summer and autumn primarily; nearly year-round in mild tropical climates
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: clerodendrums and bottlebrush flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Fuchsia boliviana carries one of the most remarkable cultural histories of any garden plant. In Quechua, the language of the Inca civilization, it is called chimpu-chimpu, and its flowering clusters held royal associations with the Inca ruler and the Sun God Inti. The plant is depicted on Inca pottery and wooden bowls recovered from archaeological sites, evidence of its ceremonial significance in one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. In Spanish it became corazon-corazon, meaning "heart-heart," a name earned both by its long association with matters of the heart in Andean folk medicine, and by the deep affection it inspires in all who encounter it. As a fuchsia, it also shares the broader symbolism of the genus: confiding love, elegance, and transformation. The color of a fuchsia flower was so vivid and distinctive that the entire hue was named after the genus.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to filtered sun; protect from direct afternoon sun and temperatures above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F); thrives in the dappled light of cloud forest edges
Water
Consistent moisture; prefers cloud forest humidity; protect from drought and waterlogging
Soil
Moist, Well-drained, Humus-rich, Slightly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Grow in partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; protect from afternoon sun
Hardy to approximately -4 degrees C (25 degrees F) for short periods; protect from frost
In cool temperate climates, overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse
Propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
The fruits are edible when fully ripe and dark purple; raw seeds may cause nausea in some people
Self-pollinates and spreads readily; a popular naturalized garden escape in Colombia, Venezuela, Central America, Madeira, and Sri Lanka
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular specimen or accent shrub for subtropical and sheltered temperate gardens
- Container plant for patios and conservatories in cooler climates
- Hummingbird and pollinator garden feature
- Living privacy screen or informal hedge in mild climates
- Naturalistic cloud forest garden planting
Traditional Uses
- Known in Spanish as corazon-corazon (heart-heart) and traditionally eaten to treat low mood and heart ailments in Andean communities
- Ripe berries are eaten raw or added to foods such as quinoa in Andean traditions; taste described as refreshing and slightly tangy
- Depicted on Inca pottery and wooden bowls found at archaeological sites; used in Inca ceremonies and rituals
- Flowers and fruits used as culinary and medicinal ingredients by indigenous Andean peoples for centuries
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fuchsia Boliviana
What does Fuchsia boliviana symbolize?
Fuchsia boliviana symbolizes confiding love, royal heritage, and heartfelt devotion. In the Victorian language of flowers, fuchsias broadly represent confiding love. For the Incas, chimpu-chimpu carried royal and sacred associations with the Sun God Inti. In Andean folk tradition it is known as corazon-corazon, or heart-heart, connecting it intimately with matters of the heart.
What did the Incas use Fuchsia boliviana for?
The Incas used Fuchsia boliviana, known as chimpu-chimpu in Quechua, in ceremonies and rituals, and the plant appears depicted on pottery and wooden bowls discovered at Inca archaeological sites. The fruits were eaten by indigenous Andean peoples for centuries, and the plant was associated with the Inca ruler and the Sun God Inti.
Is the Fuchsia boliviana fruit edible?
Yes, the ripe fruits of Fuchsia boliviana are edible. When fully ripe and dark purple, they have a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor and are eaten raw or added to foods in Andean communities. Only ripe fruits should be eaten; raw seeds may cause discomfort. The flower petals are also edible and occasionally used as a garnish.
How big does Fuchsia boliviana grow?
Fuchsia boliviana is a large shrub, growing between 6 and 20 feet tall (2 to 6 meters) with a wide, open, spreading habit. In its native Andean cloud forests it can reach up to 6 meters. In garden conditions it is typically maintained between 2 and 4 meters for ease of management and best flowering display.
Why is the color fuchsia named after the fuchsia flower?
The color fuchsia was named after the genus Fuchsia in 1859, when a French dye chemist named the newly synthesized magenta-pink aniline dye after the flower whose vivid pinkish-red blooms it closely resembled. This makes fuchsia one of the rare cases where a color is named after a flower rather than the other way around.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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