Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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nz fuchsia tree

Looking for information on the NZ fuchsia tree? This remarkable native is truly one of New Zealand’s botanical treasures, offering vibrant blooms, striking bark, and a host of benefits for local gardens and wildlife. Whether you’re eager to grow a specimen for its visual appeal, attract native birds, or simply discover more about this unique plant, you’re in the right place to explore everything you need to know about the NZ fuchsia tree.

Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental berries. Ideal as a groundcover, it spreads gently over shaded or partially sunny spots and adds interest to garden beds, banks, or pots. This hardy and compact variety thrives in well-drained soils and is perfect for creating a natural, low-maintenance landscape. NB: In warm climates, this plant remains evergreen but will become semi-deciduous during winter in cooler regions.

Buy Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

From $18.23

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 5 cm

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Wet

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Fuchsia 'Fuji-San'

Fuchsia 'Fuji-San' is a stunning, free flowering shrub known for its elegant white and soft pink blooms that create a fresh, delicate look. This hardy variety thrives in NZ conditions and provides long lasting colour from spring through autumn. Ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, it adds brightness and gentle movement to shaded garden areas.

Buy Fuchsia 'Fuji-San'

From $22.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical

What is the NZ Fuchsia Tree?

The term “NZ fuchsia tree” most commonly refers to the species Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia), also known by its Māori name, kōtukutuku. This is Aotearoa’s largest fuchsia, and in fact, the world’s largest fuchsia species overall. Unlike many fuchsias found in overseas gardens, this one forms a small tree rather than a shrub or groundcover, making it a standout in any landscape.

Unique Features of Fuchsia excorticata

Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia) is instantly recognizable for its flaky, orangey-brown bark and spreading canopy of delicate leaves. From late winter through spring, it puts on a show with pendulous flowers in hues of deep purple, red, and green. These blooms are a vital food source for native nectar-feeders such as tūī and korimako (bellbird). Later in the season, dainty dark berries form—another favourite for birds.

Growing and Caring for NZ Fuchsia Tree

Thriving in shady or semi-shaded sites with moist, well-drained soil, the NZ fuchsia tree is a resilient and attractive choice for eco-sourced and woodland gardens alike. It’s tolerant of frost and can handle periodic wind exposure, making it suitable for most parts of New Zealand. Regular pruning encourages a dense growth habit, and rich organic mulch will support optimal flowering and fruiting. While older specimens can reach 7 metres, they are easily managed to suit smaller spaces.

If you’re designing a native planting scheme, kōtukutuku offers an excellent way to layer your planting, underplanted with ferns or native grasses for a natural look. Consider pairing with other New Zealand fuchsias, like Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia) for groundcover, or Fuchsia procumbens variegata (Trailing Fuchsia) for a colourful, trailing accent.

Different Types of NZ Fuchsia and Relatives

While Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia) is the true NZ fuchsia tree, New Zealand is home to several Fuchsia species suiting a variety of garden settings. Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia) and Fuchsia procumbens variegata (Trailing Fuchsia) make beautiful, colourful carpets in rocky or coastal gardens. For a shrub-like form, explore Fuchsia arborescens, or indulge your love of bold blossoms with Fuchsia boliviana, an exotic cousin with spectacular red flowers.

Why Choose a NZ Fuchsia Tree for Your Garden?

Choosing a NZ fuchsia tree means embracing a living piece of New Zealand natural heritage. With its dramatic floral display, support for native wildlife, and adaptable growing habit, this tree is a favourite among gardeners looking to create a lush, bird-friendly, and uniquely local garden. To bring the magic of kōtukutuku into your landscape, explore available plants and start your native garden transformation today.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.