Bella Nikita Fuchsia

Bella Nikita Fuchsia (Fuchsia x hybrida 'Bella Nikita') is a small, bushy fuchsia, 30 to 45cm tall and wide, with large pink-red outer petals that give each flower a starry look. A pale purple bell sits at the centre. The flowers are held clear of the leaves, so you see all of the colour.

Why you'll love it

• A starry flower. Large pink-red outer petals spread wide around a pale purple bell, so each bloom looks like a small star.
• Flowers held clear of the leaves. Nothing hides the display, which makes it easy to enjoy at eye level in a basket or on a patio table.
• Gentle colour. Pale lilac inner petals keep the red from feeling heavy, so it mixes well with white and green foliage plants.
• Neat and compact. At 30 to 45cm it suits small pots, balconies and the front of beds without taking over.
• Happy in the shade. Dappled shade or part sun, sheltered from hot midday sun, gives flowers in spots that defeat most flowering plants.

Where it works best

Pots by the door. A pair of pots either side of an entry brings colour to a shaded verandah. Use free draining potting mix and water regularly.

Baskets at eye level. Because the flowers sit clear of the foliage, a basket hung at head height shows them off best.

Shaded borders. Plant 40cm apart at the front of a bed in dappled shade, and mulch to hold moisture around the roots.

Growing Bella Nikita Fuchsia in Australia

Position and climate. Grow it in part sun or shade with shelter from hot midday sun. Nikita is frost tender, so in cold climates bring it indoors over winter or grow it as seasonal colour. In frost free, sheltered gardens it can stay outside.

Soil. Plant in free draining potting mix or a bed improved with compost, then mulch. Roots that stay evenly moist and cool do best.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the growing season, and keep watering until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed with a liquid fertiliser, or use a slow release fertiliser in spring and again in summer.

Pruning. Cut the plant back in winter, reduce watering and keep it in a cool, shady, frost free spot until growth restarts.

What to expect when it arrives

Bella Nikita 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. Plants travel upright and arrive small, so give them a few weeks to settle in good potting mix before you expect a show. Pot it on promptly and it fills out through the warm months.

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 for balconies and entryways
• Shade tolerant plants to pair with it
• Explore flowering plants
• Shade gardening guide for Australian gardens

Common questions

How big does Bella Nikita get?

It reaches 30 to 45cm high and wide. It stays in proportion without any special shaping, which suits small pots and beds.

Where is the best spot for it?

Dappled shade or part sun, with shelter from hot midday sun. Water it regularly, as a fuchsia that dries out struggles.

Will it survive frost?

No. Nikita is frost tender, so bring it indoors or under cover in cold weather, or enjoy it as seasonal colour.