Bella Mariska Fuchsia

Bella Mariska Fuchsia (Fuchsia x hybrida 'Bella Mariska') is a compact, free flowering fuchsia that stops at 30 to 45cm tall and wide. Its flowers combine pale pink outer petals with a deep purple inner bell, a softer take on the classic fuchsia pairing. It suits pots, baskets and the shaded front edge of a bed.

Why you'll love it

• A softer colour pairing. Pale pink outer petals frame a deep purple bell, which sits more gently among foliage plants than the brighter red fuchsias.
• Bushy and free flowering. Bells hang from the stem ends all over a rounded plant, so there are flowers at every angle.
• Compact by design. Bred as a low range for pots and baskets, it stays at 30 to 45cm and in proportion with other small plants.
• Shade friendly. It is happy in dappled shade or part sun, in places where roses and most sun lovers would sulk.
• Easy to bring in from the cold. It is frost tender, but small enough to move indoors or under cover for winter.

Where it works best

Patio pots. A single Mariska fills a medium pot, and a trio in a larger one makes a generous display. Keep pots out of hot midday sun.

Hanging baskets. Its mounding shape suits a basket hung at eye level, where the two-tone flowers are easy to enjoy.

Shaded bed edges. Plant 40cm apart in a row at the front of a border in dappled shade, with mulch around the base.

Indoor colour. Bright light without direct sun suits a season of flowers on a windowsill or entry table.

Growing Bella Mariska Fuchsia in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in part sun or shade, away from hot midday sun. Mariska is frost tender, so bring it indoors for winter in cold climates, or grow it as seasonal colour. Subtropical and warm temperate gardens can keep it outdoors in a sheltered position.

Soil. Plant in good potting mix or compost enriched soil that drains freely. A layer of mulch keeps the roots cool and steady.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Through the growing season, either feed with a liquid fertiliser or add a slow release fertiliser in spring and again in summer.

Pruning. In winter, cut the plant back, water less often and shelter it in a cool, shady, frost free spot until spring.

What to expect when it arrives

Bella Mariska Fuchsia is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. A tube arrives as a small plant with a few leaves, not in flower, so keep it moist and let it grow on. The packs of 10 suit several pots or a border.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants that suit pots and containers
• More plants for partial shade
• All flowering plants
• A guide to shade gardening in Australia

Common questions

What colour are Bella Mariska flowers?

The outer petals are pale pink and the bell inside is a deep purple. The contrast is clearest on a freshly opened flower.

Is Mariska a trailing fuchsia?

We describe Mariska as bushy and compact. The semi-trailing habit belongs to Lydia, Maria and Nora, so choose one of those if you want stems that spill over the rim.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, for colour. Keep it in a bright spot out of direct sun, water it regularly and move it somewhere cool for winter.