Fuchsia plants – more info
Fuchsias add stimulating splashes of colour to your garden throughout the summer months without demanding too much effort. Occasional feeding of these hardy plants – suited to areas of sun or light shade – will ensure their flowers provide a feast for your eyes into the autumn, whether bedded in the ground or grown in decorative pots.
When to prune a fuchsia
The best time for pruning fuchsias is in the early or middle part of spring. This allows sufficient time for the new growth to mature and flower in the summer. Avoid pruning in winter – wait until the risk of frost has subsided to prevent damage to new shoots.
Are fuchsias perennial?
Fuchsias are perennial in warmer climates but in temperate zones like the UK, they’re generally treated as annuals rather than perennials due to winter vulnerability. Exceptions exist; there are hardy fuchsias that can endure UK winters, appearing dormant but reviving in spring. Half-hardy perennial fuchsias, meanwhile, can be overwintered indoors or planted with deep roots and mulch.
How to care for fuchsias
Once rooted, ground-grown fuchsias become fairly self-reliant but may need extra watering during dry weather. Regularly water container-grown fuchsias, ensuring the compost remains moist but not waterlogged. Hardy fuchsias will benefit from mulching in the spring with manure or compost. Supplementary feeding will also enhance growth. Liquid plant food will help potted fuchsias to flower. Dead flowers often shed naturally, but regular deadheading will encourage a prolific bloom.
