Hi

I donÂt grow Boliviana Alba, but I do grow Bolivian var pubescens (as identified by Jack Lamb) which I find grows very eratically. I have a cutting that I took early season and this has made about 6" growth, while the one I took mid season is about 18" and has already been stopped and potted on for next yearÂÂ. strange plant.

The Bolivian var pubescens that I grow throws masses of blooms,

I think that you have to persevere and try a variety of locations, I found that mine flowered well in dappled shade with minimum attention. The last Âstop on these is approximately 14 weeks so they need pinching early in the season for best results.

TightÂ.

Fuchsia boliviana seems to be highly variable. Moreover, I think many of the plants labeled as red F. boliviana are actually hybrids, whereas the albas are genuine F. boliviana. I suspect the "species" is actually a clade and that habit varies quite a bit by provenance. Some red forms have an apple green leaf that is somewhat shiny. Var. alba always has a glaucous or gray tone in the leaf and is finely pubescent. I would seek out red-flowered plants that share this same foliage characteristic.

Thank you both very much. To judge from the flowers the large plants seem to be genuine F.Bolivianna, the others are not at a stage where I can make an assessment. Next task will be to read a bit more about cladistics!!!.