True-Blue; the smallest fuchsia in the world - Fuchsia procumbens

Fuchsia procumbens,  flower with fully developed anthers and its hallmark - blue pollen. Photo by G. Schramayr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_procumbens

Fuchsia procumbens is considered the smallest fuchsia in the world. It is one of three fuchsia species that have made New Zealand their home - a small disjunct population far away from their Central/South American relatives.

The blue pollen, which is one of the hallmarks of this group, is considered rare, produced by only a few species of plants. It is thought to be a unique adaptation, possibly to attract specific pollinators, with ultraviolet vision - a helpful mechanism in certain environments.

Endemic to New Zealand, it occurs naturally on the coast from the North Cape to the Coromandel, found in both, sandy and shingly beach ecosystems. Currently classified as being "At Risk" mainly due to loss of habitat.

The attractive flowers of Fuchsia procumbens bloom from September to May. Photo by Dominicus Johannes Bergsma https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_procumbens

Fuchsia procumbens grows to a width of approx. 1 metre and stays reasonably low - at about 20 centimetres, this brilliant ground-cover with its long, wiry stems winds its way through other plants and helps protect the soil from drying, caused by the sun and the wind.

Conspicuous crimson berries that follow the flowers are attractive to birds and lizards. Photo: https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/plants-for-auckland/plants/fuchsia-procumbens/

The relatively huge red berries follow the flowers in late autumn/early winter and are very attractive to birds and lizards, who disperse the seeds.

Bellbird with blue pollen on its face, attracted to the nectar of a tree fuchsia, kōtukutuku (Fuchsia excorticata) - the largest fuchsia in the world, also endemic to New Zealand. Photo by Steve Attwood. https://www.visitzealandia.com

It is most versatile in a garden situation, growing in both full sun and dappled shade, though its growth rate tends to be slower in full sun. For optimum growth, plant it in rich, free-draining soil and light shade. Fuchsia procumbens will not tolerate harsh frosts.

It is best planted where it can have free rein; its wiry stems can cascade down walls or over the side of a pot, allowing us a close encounter with their exquisite flowers that are held upright rather than drooping down, as is the case with all other fuchsia species.

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Source: 100 best native plants for New Zealand gardens (Eadie, F. 2014, Random House New Zealand); The Coastal Garden (Gabites, I. 2015, Potton & Burton); authoritative website of Auckland Botanic Gardens; en.wikipedia.org; authoritative website of Zealandia TE MĀRA A TĀNE