Fuchsia procumbens

Fuchsia procumbens

Common Names: Creeping Fuchsia, Trailing Fuchsia

Overview

Fuchsia procumbens is a striking and unusual NZ native groundcover celebrated for its colourful star-shaped flowers and trailing, prostrate growth habit. Highly valued in coastal and windy New Zealand gardens, it delivers year-round greenery with standout seasonal interest from spring to autumn. Ideal for banks, walls, rock gardens, and container displays, this compact species adds texture and charm to any landscape.

Key Features

Foliage:
Small, rounded evergreen leaves arranged along slender creeping stems. Forms a dense, low mat that spreads steadily without becoming invasive.

Flowers / Fruit:
Produces remarkably colourful yellow, red, and purple star-like flowers—unlike any other fuchsia. Blooms appear from spring through autumn and are followed by bright red edible berries, which attract birds and add extra ornamental appeal.

Form & Habit:
A naturally prostrate groundcover with a soft, trailing habit perfect for spilling over edges or covering small slopes.

Growth Rate:
Moderate.

Cultural & Ecological Value:
A true NZ native that provides nectar for pollinators and berries for birds. Excellent resilience in coastal environments with high wind and salt exposure.

Mature Size

Ideal Growing Conditions

Landscaping & Garden Uses

• Excellent NZ native groundcover for banks, slopes, and erosion control

• Ideal for coastal gardens exposed to wind and salt spray

• Stunning trailing plant for pots, baskets, and retaining walls

• Adds long-season colour through unique flowers and berries

• Beautiful filler between pavers and edging along paths

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Light trims as needed to shape or limit spread.
Watering: Keep moist during establishment; low-maintenance once settled.
Feeding: Feed with slow-release fertiliser in spring for improved flowering.
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy; good airflow prevents mildew.

Additional Tips

Plant where its unique flowers and berries can be appreciated up close—such as beside paths or in raised planters.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

Fuchsia procumbens is one of the world’s smallest and most unusual fuchsia species, with flowers that point upward rather than hanging—a rare trait in the genus.

Why Choose Fuchsia procumbens?

This hardy NZ native brings vibrant colour, wildlife value, and year-round groundcover performance to tough sites, especially coastal landscapes. Beautiful, unique, and incredibly easy-care.

Pot Size:

These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.