This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to October
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  Masses of small, pendent, red and mauve flowers from June to October and deep green leaves. This single-flowered, dwarf fuchsia makes an ideal container plant for a partially shady site, protected from cold, drying winds. An extremely free-flowering variety, in frost-prone areas 'Tom Thumb' is best over-wintered in a cool greenhouse.
  
  
• Garden care: For the best results, protect from cold, drying winds. To produce bushy, well-branched plants pinch out the growing tips of young plants after the sixth or seventh pair of leaves. During the growing season water regularly, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. Cut back to the permanent framework in early spring. In autumn, it is advisable to mulch the roots with a thick layer of well-rotted compost.