Scarlet Fuchsia

Scarlet Fuchsia (Graptophyllum excelsum) is an upright Queensland native shrub that usually reaches 3 to 4m tall and 1 to 2m wide in gardens, and carries masses of vivid red tubular flowers in spring and summer. It takes clipping well, which makes it a tall, narrow hedge or privacy screen. The nectar rich flowers also feed wildlife.

Why you'll love it

• Vivid red flowers. Masses of tubular red flowers cover the plant in spring and summer, with a few more at other times of the year.
• Tall and narrow. At 3 to 4m by 1 to 2m in a garden, it screens a boundary without taking up much width.
• Takes hard clipping. It can be hard pruned and clipped regularly, so a neat hedge or screen is easy to keep.
• Food for wildlife. Nectar rich blossoms attract nectar loving wildlife into the garden.
• A true native that looks exotic. Small, dark green oval leaves and bright red flowers give it a tropical look, yet it is a native.

Where it works best

Tall narrow hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The shrubs merge into a dense, clipped hedge, and because it can sucker it knits together even faster.

Privacy screens. Use it along a boundary where you need height without width. It keeps to a slim 1 to 2m width.

Feature planting for wildlife. A single plant or small group in a wildlife or native garden provides flowers and shelter. Keep it away from narrow paths and play areas, because it is thorny.

Growing Scarlet Fuchsia in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun for the best flowering. It is native to tropical coastal Queensland, grows happily in coastal Queensland and Sydney, and has not been widely tested further south, so southern gardeners should choose a warm, sheltered position. Mature plants survive light overnight frosts.

Soil. It is happy on alkaline soil. Mulch the surface to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water on a regular basis until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Water in dry spells as well, because that produces a better flowering show.

Pruning. Prune and fertilise with a slow release native fertiliser after flowering to encourage dense growth. It may sucker, which is useful for hedging, but if you need to contain it, restrict the roots or grow it in a pot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Scarlet Fuchsia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, upright plant, so expect a few seasons before it reaches screening height. If you need privacy quickly, plan on a temporary screen while it grows.

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

• Australian native shrubs
• Hedging and screening plants
• Bird attracting plants
• Native plants with red flowers

Common questions

Is Scarlet Fuchsia related to the garden fuchsia?

No. The common name comes from the flower colour and shape. It is a Queensland native shrub, unrelated to the hanging fuchsias sold for baskets.

Will it sucker and spread?

It can. That helps a hedge fill in, but if you need to contain it, restrict the roots or grow it in a pot.

How tall will it grow?

Usually 3 to 4m in gardens and 1 to 2m wide, although wild plants can reach 8m. Regular clipping keeps it to the height you want.