Bella Nora Fuchsia

Bella Nora Fuchsia (Fuchsia x hybrida 'Bella Nora') is a semi-trailing fuchsia, 30 to 45cm tall and wide, with flowers that change as they age. Deep purple inner petals sit under contrasting white outer petals, and some flowers shift to white with magenta pink bells, so one plant shows several looks at once. It suits baskets, pots and shaded beds.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers that change colour. Some blooms are white with magenta pink bells and others have dark purple bells, so the plant keeps shifting as you watch it.
• An unusual pairing. Deep purple inner petals capped with pure white is a combination few fuchsias offer.
• Semi-trailing habit. Stems arch over the edge of a pot or basket, so there are extra flowers around the rim.
• Compact and bushy. It holds a 30 to 45cm rounded shape and fits small spaces easily.
• Shade tolerant colour. Dappled shade and shelter from midday sun suit it, and the white flowers stand out well in low light.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. The arching stems fill out around the rim, and the white flowers glow against a dark fence or wall.

Mixed shade pots. Pair with dark green foliage plants such as ferns for a calm, cool arrangement in a covered courtyard.

Garden bed fronts. Plant 40cm apart along the edge of a bed in dappled shade, then mulch to keep the roots moist.

Indoor colour. A bright, cool room out of direct sun suits a season of flowers before the plant returns outdoors.

Growing Bella Nora Fuchsia in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in part sun or shade with shelter from hot midday sun. Nora is frost tender, so bring it indoors over winter in cold climates or use it as seasonal colour. Sheltered, frost free gardens can leave it outside.

Soil. Use a free draining potting mix, or enrich garden soil with compost. Mulching keeps the roots cool and the moisture even.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the growing season and feed with a liquid fertiliser, or add a slow release fertiliser in spring and again in summer. A new plant takes around 12 weeks to establish.

Pruning. In winter, cut the plant back, reduce watering and shelter it in a cool, shady, frost free place.

What to expect when it arrives

Bella Nora Fuchsia comes as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, or in 140mm pots in packs of 10. A tube arrives small and not yet in flower, so pot it on straight away and keep the mix moist while it builds up. Expect the colour-changing flowers as the plant grows 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 that grow well in pots
• Plants for partial shade
• Balcony friendly plants
• Shade gardening: what to plant where

Common questions

Why do the flowers look different on the same plant?

Nora's flowers change colour as they age, so one plant shows white and magenta pink blooms alongside dark purple ones. That is normal.

Does it need a hanging basket?

No. Semi-trailing means it arches rather than cascades, so it works in a standard pot as well as in a basket.

Can I leave it outside in winter?

Only in a frost free, sheltered spot. Nora is frost tender, so in cold areas cut it back and bring it indoors until spring.