Encliandras—a Study in Miniature
By
Nick Dobson
Thee Metropolitan Essex Fuchsia Society Website
As published in the B.C. Fuchsia & Begonia Society Eardrop, April, 2001
By
Nick Dobson
Thee Metropolitan Essex Fuchsia Society Website
As published in the B.C. Fuchsia & Begonia Society Eardrop, April, 2001
Despite the variety and versatility found within the species, hybrids and cultivars of the genus Fuchsia, some people are never satisfied! They want fuchsias with scent, fuchsias that flower in the winter and fuchsias that can thrive and bloom in the hostile conditions of a modem centrally heated house. Although it isn't widely known (even within the bands of fuchsia enthusiasts), the species from the section Enchandra and the cultivars derived from them do meet such exacting demands.The Encliandras are native to Latin America where they grow in the cool, evergreen cloud forests at altitudes of between 4,500 to 10,000 feet above sea level. They are characterised by tiny flowers produced in the axils of the leaves and by equally small foliage that gives them a fern-like appearance. The blooms of some of the species Encliandras, are true miniatures. F. thymifolia has female flowers that are barely bigger than the head of a match! The Encliandras grow as vigorous erect shrubs reaching up to ten feet in height. There are six species within the Encliandra Section: F. cylindracea, F. encliandra, F. microphylla, F. obconica, F. ravenii arid F. thymifolia. A substantial number of subspecies have also been described, but modem pollen staining techniques, championed by Fuchsia Research International, have cast doubt upon the authenticity of some of these subspecies. Many are now being recognized as natural occurring hybrids. Even experts have difficulties in identifying specific Encliandras. For example, even the admirable Leo Boullemier evaded identification by suggesting that most of the hybrids should be pigeonholed under the name F. x bacillaris.
As the Encliandra species are native to Latin America, growers could be forgiven for assuming that they would be tender, frost-shy plants. However, despite their near equatorial location, the Encliandras grow at such high altitude that the temperature range is not unlike the conditions they encounter in Britain. During the recent mild winters in the South of England, many of these plants retained their foliage throughout the winter months.
Despite the fact that one of the most enduring of all fuchsia cultivars is Encliandra 'Lottie Hobby' (bred in 1839 and still popular today), fuchsia breeders have in general paid scant attention to these fascinating plants. However, in recent years some hybridists have turned their attention to this group, developing larger blooms and a wider colour range. In general, the Encliandras flower in low light conditions and so often produce the best displays in spring or autumn. As they flower over a long season they can be persuaded to provide colour throughout the winter if given the protection of a greenhouse or conservatory. The colour range within the group has expanded considerably in recent years and the following cultivars are amongst the best currently available:
'Lottie Hobby', with crimson flowers produced in abundance. An upright bush, hardy in most areas;
'Ariel' (1973), deep magenta red flowers on an upright bush;
'Fuksie Foetsie' (1979), pale pink blooms. Spreading habit making it useful for growing in mixed hanging baskets;
'Neopolitan' (1984), blooms of three different colours, (white, pink and red) can be found on this cultivar at the same time. The flowers are a little larger than typical;
'Coral Baby' (1989), reddish-orange corolla and a rose tube;
‘Jiddles' (1998), pure white blooms on a vigorous upright bush;
'Obcylin' (1999), produces so many beautiful little peach coloured blooms that you can hardly see the foliage!
Perfume can be found in some of the cultivars from the Encliandra group. 'Lechlade Tinkerbell' (1983) and 'Neopolitan' both have a trace of scent about them, but according to Edwin Goulding (Fuchsias, the Complete Guide, 1995), 'Gondoliers' (1987) has the strongest perfume of all. Although none of these cultivars will challenge the rose or sweet pea in terms of fragrance, hybridists might perhaps wish to explore this quality to produce a range of scented fuchsias in years to come.
In terms of usage, the Encliandras are versatile and adaptable. Most of the plants in this group produce strong wiry growth, making them ideal for training into shapes such as hoops or hearts, given the support of wires. Strong growing types such as 'Lottie Hobby' and 'Variegated LottieHobby' (with green and cream foliage) make excellent mini-standards. Fans, pillars and espaliers can be formed from many of the cultivars and given their tiny leaves and flowers, Encliandras make first class bonsai subjects. Having very small leaves, the Encliandras can exist in drier conditions than many fuchsia cultivars (the small leaf area preventing rapid water loss). With this quality, Encliandras are better adapted than other fuchsias for use as houseplants, another characteristic that future breeders might wish to explore. As many of the cultivars, can be trained into pyramid shapes and will flower in the winter, perhaps it is not too fanciful to imagine an alternative 'Christmas Tree' (equipped with living lights) being formed from Encliandras!
The Encliandras are a fascinating group of fuchsias and together with the paniculata-type they are gaining popularity and recognition among enthusiasts. At present few suppliers other than specialist fiichsia nurseries stock Encliandras, but they are well worth looking out for