Fuchsia magellanica Onagraceae
This “hardy” fuchsia, when given a chance to develop, can hardly be called a miniature. It can cover a wall twenty feet high, I have been told. However, in a climate like that near Philadelphia, it is only “root-hardy” and even then has to have a protective winter mulch. In the spring it has to start new growth all over again. Then it assumes miniature proportions. I’ve seen it in a small hanging basket, the leaves less than one-third the size of the typical hybrid fuchsias, the stems thin and wiry, the red-and-purple flowers quite small. Even more like a miniature is the slower-growing variety variegata, with creamy blotches and streaks on the leaf edges. Then there is the slender, more airy and lax variety, gracilis, also available in variegated form.
CARE. Cool, needs fresh air, loamy soil, shade, moist.
PROPAGATION. Cuttings of soft green wood.
SPECIAL USES. House plants, hanging baskets.
Hebe buxifola variegata Scrophulariaceae
This is a charming little plant I have grown in my greenhouse. Although it has some larger relatives, my specimens have been delightfully small. The leaves are about one-half inch long, waxy green with creamy white edges which overlap into a nice pattern. I love the small white flowers which appear frequently.
CARE. Little sun, humusy soil, moderate warmth, moist.
PROPAGATION. Stem cuttings.
SPECIAL USES. House plants.