Graptophyllum excelsum

Common Names

Scarlet Fuchsia, Native Fuchsia, Prickly Fuchsia

Summary

Graptophyllum excelsum is a Queensland-endemic evergreen shrub in the Acanthaceae, typically a dense, multi-stemmed plant reaching about 3 meters tall. Leaves are opposite, leathery and dark green above with a paler underside, obovate to lanceolate in shape, with margins usually entire or bearing teeth near the apex; leaf axils may bear spines 5–12 mm long and elongated oil glands occur in the leaves. The flowers are scarlet red, tubular about 25–35 mm long, five-merous and bisexual, produced in leaf axils or at the terminals in small clusters; the fruit is a capsule up to 30 mm long that can explosively release its seeds.

In cultivation it grows best in morning sun to afternoon shade with consistent moisture and well-drained soil, preferably enriched and on limestone-derived substrates; it tolerates shade and some dry periods and can thrive from Melbourne to warmer climates, being hardy in zones 9–10 and tolerant of light frost. It typically forms a dense hedge or windbreak, is propagated by cuttings or fresh seed, and mature plants can sucker; after flowering, pruning about one third of the stems encourages new growth and improves appearance. The plant is valued ornamentally for abundant scarlet flowers that attract birds and its ornamental foliage, with near-threatened status reported under Queensland legislation.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

118 inches

Spread

79 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates partial Sun and partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, limestone-derived, humus-rich soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soil

Soil pH

Acidic to alkaline, broad pH range

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green, dark shiny green, upper surface mid to dark green with paler green underneath

Fall Foliage Color

Dark Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies