| Red Iochroma | |
| Iochroma fuchsioides |
An amazing plant on all accounts, the Red Iochroma provides a blistering color display throughout the growing year! The 2", trumpet-like flowers cluster throughout the bushy foliage turning this beauty a fiery red. It is a much sought after and uncommon garden ornamental, related to the beautiful Brugmansia's.
Description: Bushy growing habit to 8-12ft. Some sources cite growth to only 4-6ft, but in ideal environments it can grow much taller. Foliage has a "tropical" look and the plant is evergreen is suitable climates. Flowering occurs year-round, with more intense blooms produced during spring and fall.
Hardiness: Hardy to the mid 20's. May defoliate somewhat in frost or light freezing temperatures. Should be protected from hard or prolonged freezes.
Growing Environment: Flourishes in subtropical and mild-temperate climates with minimal frost. In milder climates it does nicely in full sun, but in warmer or heat-prone climates (where the temperature regularly tops 85-90F) it should be grown in shade. In warmer climates it tends to flower more during colder months. Provide consistent water throughout the year, though it does not tolerate flooding. Easy for container culture and can be brought indoors for winter.
ripening fruits; they will turn a green-white and be soft to the touch when ripe
Propagation: Usually by seeds. Germination often occurs quickly but seeds can go dormant and occasionally need several weeks to a couple of months to overcome dormancy.
Uses: Almost exclusively grown as an ornamental. The plant has some historical uses by local medicine men in its native range as the plant contains a number of alkaloids and hallucinogens much like its relatives the Brugmansia's and the Datura's. It should also be noted that the all parts of the plant are likely toxic if ingested in any way.
Native Range: The mountains of Ecuador.