Category Archives: Onagraceae

Fuchsia magellanica ‘Little Giant’, Little Giant fuchsia

Family: Onagraceae

Description:

This species is recognizable for bright, fuchsia flowers with violet corolla that persist for 4-5 months. It can be grown as a shrub, or sub-shrub in the Vancouver region. However, in colder climates, this species behaves as an herbaceous perennial. Leaves are arranged oppositely in threes. The distinctive flowers are comprised of a basal tube with sepal and petals fused into the tube. Flowers droop down, requiring hummingbird pollination.

Growing conditions:

Fuchsia magellanica requires well-drained soil. While it prefers rich soil, it can also tolerate poor soil conditions.

Suitable uses:

This species offers a bright addition to the landscape, with long flowering interest. It is ideal for attracting hummingbirds.

CC Image courtesy of Zahumeria on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of scott.zona on Flickr

Oenothera biennis, evening primrose

Family: Onagraceae

Description

This biennial plant produces a fairly large rosette in the first year, and follows with a succession floppy, yellow flowers in its second year of growth. Historically Oenthera biennis was a classic physic garden plant, cultivated as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including “hysteria” in women. Flowers emerge at night and is traditionally pollinated by moths, such as the sphinx moth, that use long tongues to reach the ovary at the base of flower. The multi branched stems are slightly sticky to the touch.

Growing conditions:

Oenothera biennis prefers well-drained soils in sunny locations. It is often considered weedy and will tolerate a variety of conditions.

Suitable uses:

This could be a useful addition to a site with poor soils, such as an industrial site. This species is known to show up in waste sites or along roadsides. It is very difficult to find in a nursery.

CC Image courtesy of PhotoPhoto33 on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Steve Guttman NYC on Flickr