Is it a fuchsia or a clematis?

[brianholland]

Seen at the falconary centre in Penrith but have no idea what it is despite trawling through my gardening books.
It was vigorous and in full bloom in mid October.
Looks like a fuchsia flower but leaves suggest clematis - would love to plant it in my garden.
Local nurseries cannot help so can any member help please?

Thank you,

Brian.

[Dorts]

Hi Brian. It's neither a Fuchsia or a Clematis?
It's called the Chinese Purple Bell Vine, Rhodochiton astrosanguineum.
But it actually comers from Mexico. A top class climber!
Dorts.

[artdemole]

thompson and morgan sell seeds of it about£3.99 for 10 seeds.

[Insomniak]

I had it growing in a sunless conservatory for many years, it's an amazing climber, produces so many of those interesting flowers, too.
I've always found it hard to grow it from seed but if you get even a couple to germinate that's all you need to get started.

[brianholland]

Hi,
I am overwhelmed by the speed of the responses and all so helpful.

Many thanks to all who contributed.

Now all I have to do is get some seed and just hope one or two germinate.

Have just the spot in my graden so here is hoping all works out well.

Brian.