Fuchsia

Fuchsia, Lady's Eardrops

Message of the Flower

Art

The Mother’s Comment

Living only to express beauty.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Art is discovery and revelation of Beauty…

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Poetry and Art: Art for Art's Sake

Art is nothing less in its fundamental truth than the aspect of beauty of the Divine manifestation.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931: 28 July 1929

If you want art to be the true and highest art, it must be the expression of a divine world brought down into this material world.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931: 28 July 1929

In a sense, spirituality is the highest art, the art of life; for it aims at creating a life of beauty pure in line, faultless in rhythm, replete with strength, illumined with light and vibrant with delight.

Sri Aurobindo

Colour

White and shades of pink, red, and purple, or bicoloured

Family

Onagraceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Bella Rosella', 'Swingtime', and 'Tom Thumb'

Person who named the flower

German botanist Leonhart Fuchs

Flower Size

Ranges from 1 to 3 inches in length, depending on the species and cultivar.

Flower Texture

Smooth and slightly soft.

Number of Petals

Typically 4 long petals with 4 shorter sepals, often brightly colored.

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral symmetry.

Fragrance of Flower

Some have a light scent, but most are prized for visual appeal rather than fragrance.

Leaf Texture

Smooth or slightly hairy.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite or whorled.

Leaf Color

Generally green, with some cultivars featuring variegated or purplish hues.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Mostly shrubs, with some species growing as small trees.

Life Cycle

Perennial in their native habitat but often grown as annuals in cooler climates.

Blooming Period

Late spring to early fall.

Climate

Prefers temperate to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Consistent moisture needed, but well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

Soil Type

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 7.5.

Temperature Ranges

Most species prefer cooler temperatures and do not fare well in extreme heat.

Sun or Shade

Prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates; too much sun can scorch the leaves.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Prone to aphids, red spider mites, and rust.

Pollinators

Attracts hummingbirds and bees.

Habitat

Native to Central and South America, with some species from New Zealand and Tahiti.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for hummingbirds and bees.

Ornamental

Highly valued for hanging baskets, pots, and borders due to their unique flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental gardening.

Endangered Status

ome species are considered at risk due to habitat destruction and overcollection.