Bakker Spalding Introduces Fuchsia Censation ‘Juice Berry’
A new and unusual fuchsia with edible sweet berries available exclusively from Bakker Spalding.
The Fuchsia Censation ‘Juice Berry’ has lots of striking pink or purple blooms in hanging clusters and sweet blueberry-like berries.
Gareth Richards, Bakker Spalding Garden Company’s gardening expert, expects the new Fuchsia to be very popular: “Fuchsias are incredibly eyecatching and look gorgeous, but gardeners love them because they’re so undemanding and low-maintenance – they thrive pretty much anywhere.
“This new shrub Fuchsia is self-pollinating and evergreen so it’ll look good all year round, although during flowering season between May and October, it really is spectacular. We’re delighted to be able to offer this as a Bakker Spalding exclusive.”
The Fuchsia Censation is best planted in a sunny spot or with semi-shade. The shrub has an upright growing habit and can grow up to 1.5m high in five years. It is great for beds, borders, pots and planters with a plethora of blooms that hang in clusters and provide a bright splash of colour. During winter it benefits from some protection.
Late summer is a good time to harvest fuchsia berries – from July until September. Pick them when they are soft and squishy and be sure to use them promptly as they do not keep well. You can make jams, juices or syrup from them and they are delicious added to plain yoghurt.
Why not try this recipe for Fuchsia Berry Jam?
Ingredients
1 lb. sugar
2 tbsp apple juice (from a carton)
Juice of 1 medium sized lemon
1 ½ lb. ripe fuchsia berries, washed (if you don’t have enough fuchsia berries, you can top them up with ripe blueberries)
Method
Mix the sugar, apple juice and lemon juice together in a large saucepan.
Place over a low heat and stir until the sugar dissolved.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Add the berries gently into the mixture, ensuring the berries are not broken too much.
Bring the mixture slowly to a boil.
Boil until the mixture will set when dropped onto a plate.
Seal in heated jars.
Priced at £8.95 for three, the Fuchsia Censation ‘Juice Berry’ is supplied in a nursery pot. Visit the Bakker Spalding website to purchase your plant – http://www.spaldingbulb.co.uk/product/fuchsia-censation-juice-berry-/
