tree

Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata

The Story

Plant Bio

Fuchsia excorticata, known as tree fuchsia, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to New Zealand that features a gnarled trunk and distinctive peeling, papery copper-brown bark. The thin, lanceolate leaves are dark green on top and characteristically silvery-white underneath, dropping only in cooler winter regions.

It produces unusual tubular flowers that emerge directly from the trunk or old wood, starting greenish-yellow and turning deep purple-red after pollination. These flowers contain prominent blue pollen and yield edible dark purple berries known as kōnini.

Uses & Benefits:

Features highly unusual cauliflorous flowers that bloom directly on old wood, complemented by striking, peeling copper-colored bark.

Produces edible dark purple berries known as kōnini and serves as a non-toxic specimen plant for sheltered gardens.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds in North America and supports local insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

512"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Late summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade.
Provide shelter from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds to prevent leaf scorch and moisture stress.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry summer periods, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Apply a balanced, organic slow-release fertilizer annually in the spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into the old, papery bark-shedding wood, as the tree struggles to regenerate from bare timber; restrict shaping to light spring pruning of younger stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool during summer.
Protect young plants from hard winter frosts, which can damage tender stems.
Allow the papery, copper-colored bark to peel naturally as this is a normal characteristic of the species.

Don't

Do not scrape or scrub the peeling bark, as this natural shedding is not a sign of disease.
Do not prune aggressively into old, leafless wood, which lacks the ability to regenerate easily.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the plant has low drought tolerance.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeUnderstory PlantingWoodland GardenSheltered Border

Companion Plants

Heuchera Polystichum Acer Rhododendron

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tree Fuchsia questions

What zones can Tree Fuchsia grow in?

Tree Fuchsia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tree Fuchsia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tree Fuchsia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tree Fuchsia bloom?

Tree Fuchsia typically blooms in late winter through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tree Fuchsia need full sun?

Tree Fuchsia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.