This a close look at the rare Fuchsia vulcanica from the mountain forests of Ecuador.  This gorgeous species blooms almost all year, with its vivid, red tubes and flaring orange petals.  My camera has a hard time capturing the intensity of their colors!  The plant is very rare in cultivation.  Fresh seeds are almost never seen for sale.

Fuchsia vulcanica is named after the Azufral Volcano in southern Colombia, where it was originally found.  The plant grows 3 to 5 feet tall, with attractive, woody branches and smallish leaves.  The 3 inch long blossoms appear in large numbers from spring through autumn.  The shapely flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.  After flowering, it makes deep red fruits which are edible.  They have a lightly-sweet flavor.  You may be able to cross-breed this species with some related Fuchsias to create new hybrids.

Like most Fuchsias, it prefers mild daytime temperatures and cool nights.  It can tolerate warm days provided that nights are cool.  I don't know if it will thrive if temperatures regularly get above 85 degrees F (29 C) and nights are above 65 degrees F (18 C).  It probably can only survive a light frost, so it's best to protect it from freezing temperatures.  It prefers part sun, with protection from strong afternoon sun.  It grows well in a pot in a well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist, similar to other Fuchsias.  Over about 40% is recommended.  This species is resistant to Fuchsia mites.

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Germinating the seeds