Unveil the Charm of Fuchsias at Buchlovice Castle
Fuchsias were first brought to Buchlovice after conducting comparative tests with different plant varieties from all over the globe in Průhonice in 1970. Initially, there were 350 different types, which were later reviewed and expanded by a notable expert and collector, Mr Jiří Mráz from Bělčice. Thanks to his dedication, along with the long-time head gardener of the castle, Pavel Vlášek, and another expert, Pavel Talich, the collection at the castle now features over 1,250 varieties and is among the most important in Central Europe. Each year, the fuchsia exhibition thrills visitors in the gardens of the Buchlovice Castle.
The discoverer of fuchsias, which have become one of the symbols of Buchlovice Castle, was Franciscan monk and botanist Charles Plumier (1646–1704). He was sent on a scientific mission to South America by the French king Louis XIV to discover new plants and animals.
In his renowned book Nova Plantarum Americanarum Genera , Plumier described a newly-found plant from America, giving it the name Fuchsia triphylla flore coccinea (which translates to a three-leaved fuchsia with red flowers). This flower is named in honor of Leonard Fuchs, a German humanist botanist and professor of medicine at the University of Tübingen, whose scientific work Plumier greatly admired.
Captain Firth brought the fuchsia to Europe from Brazil in 1788
Bringing fuchsias to Europe, specifically to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, was accomplished in 1788 by a Captain Firth. The particular type introduced was Fuchsia coccinea from Brazil. Shortly after it arrived, this plant became popular in noble gardens.
The growing interest in its native habitat significantly enhanced the commercial value of the fuchsia. By the early 19th century, several other species were also discovered in various locations in South America, including the Andes, Mexico, Brazil, Tierra del Fuego, and the Caribbean. Starting in 1825, a deliberate effort toward cross-breeding species began, leading to the widespread popularity of this admired plant across Europe. Enthusiasm for fuchsias surged; during the 1920s and 1930s, various growers’ associations began emerging worldwide, and their members played a vital role in further expanding the diversity of fuchsias through breeding.
A sales exhibition featuring balcony flowers has been launched and will continue throughout the 2026 summer season. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except on Mondays. Visitors should be aware that entry to the garden center requires a ticket for the park or the castle. This year, admission to the park costs 120 CZK for adults, 80 CZK for young people, seniors, and disabled visitors, and 40 CZK for children.
