Fuchsia Excorticata (Tree Fuchsia) Information

Fuchsia Excorticata General Information

There is a wealth of information about Tree Fuchsias and The Plant Company is often asked specific questions which we have laid out in this section.

Are Tree Fuchsias Native To NZ?

Fuchsia excorticata, commonly known as or kotukutuku, is native to New Zealand. In fact, it's considered endemic to New Zealand, meaning it doesn't grow naturally anywhere else in the world. They are quite common throughout New Zealand, growing on both the North and South Islands, Stewart Island, and the Auckland Islands.

Fuchsia Excorticata (NZ Tree Fuchsia) Characteristics

Fuchsia excorticata, known commonly as kotukutuku, is one of the world's largest fuchsia species. Some of its key characteristics include:

Size - It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 15 meters with a trunk diameter of 60 cm in ideal conditions. However, it normally grows to 8-12 m tall in NZ.

Bark - One of the most distinguishing features of Fuchsia excorticata is its bark. It is a noticeably light brown/orange colour, extremely thin and papery, peeling in strips. This characteristic earned it the nickname "manuka tutu" which translates to "flaky tea tree".

Leaves - The leaf margin is serrated with small teeth. - Leaf colouring can vary with the upper side generally being dark green and the underside being paler and more silver in colour. They often have a red or purple colouring. - Unlike most NZ native trees, Fuchsia excorticata is deciduous on cooler regions. It may be evergreen in warmer areas.

Flowers - Fuchsia excorticata produces attractive, small flowers during spring. They change from green-yellow to purple-red. The flowers are rich in nectar and are visited by birds such as tui, bellbirds, and silvereyes.

Fruit - The tree produces dark purple berries, known as kōnini by Māori, that are edible and taste like tamarillos.

Fuchsia excorticata is a beautiful and unique tree that can add a touch of the exotic to any garden. If you are looking for a conversation starter, this is definitely the plant for you!

What Is The Maori Name For Fuchsia Excorticata?

The Māori name for Fuchsia excorticata is kōtukutuku. This is the most common Māori name used for this tree fuchsia species.

Growing Fuchsia Excorticata In NZ

Planting Tree Fuchsia and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success!

How Big Do Fuchsia Excorticata Plants Get?

Fuchsia excorticata, also known as the kotukutuku or tree fuchsia, is the world's largest fuchsia species. It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 15 metres (50 feet) with a trunk diameter of 60 cm (2 feet) in ideal conditions. However, the average size of a mature tree fuchsia is more likely to be around 8-12 metres tall. Even at this size, it's still an impressive plant that can make a real statement in your garden.

How Do You Care For Fuchsia Trees?

Even though Fuchsia excorticata is a tree, caring for it is similar to caring for the smaller fuchsia varieties:

• Fuchsias enjoy dappled sunlight or partial shade. Tree fuchsias will adapt to growing in full sun, however.
• Provide consistent moisture, but avoid poorly drained or sodden soils.
• Plant your Fuchsia excorticata in well-drained , fertile soil.
• Apply native plant fertiliser in spring.
• Regular pruning is important to encourage flowering and maintain the shape of your tree fuchsia. It is also a good way to contain the tree. This is usually undertaken in early spring as the plant begins active growth.
• You may need to consider frost protection for young trees during their first year. Even though they are deciduous in cooler climates, they are still somewhat fragile during the establishment year.
• Try to avoid placing the trees in windy areas as the branches tend to break easily.

How To Grow A Fuchsia Tree

Choose a full sun or partial shade position with good drainage and protected from wind for your Tree Fuchsia. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter native plant fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.