‘Straat Futami’ is the Fuchsia of the Week 06/2015.

Posted by Siglinde on Mar 1, 2015 in Fuchsia Demands, Fuchsia of the week, Fuchsie der Woche | 0 comments

It is known not until 11 years ago and was introduced by J. de Boer from the Netherlands,

who crossbred the hybrids “Straat of Plenty” and “Alaska”.

J. de Boer did often use “Straat”, translating as “street”, in the names of his Hybrids, and the second part of the name may refer to a place in Asia, more precise Japan. Wether that is correct or what he tried to express with this, i do not know. This Fuchsia is a very special one, even if it may not appeal to everyone. The blossoms are minuscule, but plenty full, and even more so if given more sunlight. As the tubes may not be as light in that case than in shade but tend do be bright pink, but the plentitude will win anybody over. But not only the the blossoms will change the hue, the leafs may show red spots as well. Over all the plants will grow into sturdy, upright bushes.

 

The photo to the left shows a plant from the greenhouse in spring, placed below a rack in shade, and the difference in the color to the right photo is striking. Remarkable at this small blossoms is the style, which produces in plain white like a punch between the stamen. It is rewarding to have a closer look at the details of the blossoms of this hybrid, even though they are that tiny.

 

There are Fuchsia-Enthusiasts counting “Straat Futami” among those flourishing during winter. That is not exactly my opinion, even if it may start to produce blossoms some years quite early. But that is not the fact regularly, and this year definitely not because there are only very few sprouts or buts up to now. Quite contrary, it will flourish all through summer and even more in September/ October, thus giving me a hard time to cut it back then. Overwintering past that was never any problem. But if this may be the case some time, i do know that most of the Fuchsia-Nurserys will have this unusual hybrid in their repertoire.