For simple yet exquisite elegance it is very difficult to beat the Fuchsia flower and the wonderful thing about the Fuchsia shrub is that it will grow almost anywhere. Fuchsias are very popular garden shrubs and there are over one hundred recorded varieties to choose from. Fuchsia plants are easy to care for and once planted, providing the site was chosen carefully, they will do well for any number of years.
Although the Fuchsia is a native of South America it thrives in some zones in the U.S. Zones 7-10 have ideal growing conditions, Zone 6 dictates that care is taken when choosing a suitable site and in areas further north it difficult to grow fuchsia in an open garden. Fuchsia flourishes throughout Europe, it withstands the winters of Britain year after year and even in New Zealand one particular species, Fuchsia excorticata, grows to be a tree and can reach heights of 50 feet.
These plants are available in a vast array of colors ranging from dark purple to pink, red, orange and all the way to soft shades of white. Fuchsia flowers have an exotic appearance and the plants can be evergreen or deciduous. Another feature of this versatile plant is its berries; these are edible with a grape flavor but they are better just left on the plant giving an added dimension of color.
Planting a Fuchsia
When planting a fuchsia look for a semi-shaded spot. Too much sun is a disadvantage and even though they tend to be hardy shrubs try to protect from frost. With fuchsia in hanging baskets this is not a problem, just bring them inside but for permanent planting take as much care as possible. They also dislike windy spots. When buying a fuchsia in a garden center check it all over for pest problems. Look underneath leaves for insects and pay particular attention to new leaves as insects often find these new soft leaves an ideal place for breeding. When planting is finished feed every two weeks for the first year, keep moist but do not over water. As the summer draws to a close cut back on any feeding regime and nature will take over and the plant will begin to shut down for winter.
Moving an Established Fuchsia Plant
If it becomes necessary to move an established fuchsia plant this can be done with little or no harm caused. Move the plant in the dormant season. Cut it back well and take as much care as possible with the roots. Prepare a hole large enough to give the roots ample room to spread. After planting water well and stake the plant to prevent against wind rock.
Pruning Fuchsia
Pruning a fuchsia is relatively simple and all that is required in common sense. Depending on local winters pruning can be carried out either in fall or spring. Do not prune if there is a danger of frost. Cut each stem back to an outward facing bud. Pruning is mainly carried out to keep the plant from becoming too big and leggy. It is no harm to a fuchsia to get a severe pruning every second year as this will keep the plant bushy and true to its original form.
Propagating Fuchsia
Propagating is done by taking cuttings. This is best done when the plant is finished flowering. Take 3” semi hard cuttings, remove the lower leaves, leaving four small leaves on the stem. Dip the stem in rooting powder and place it in moist compost. It is best to have the compost moist as watering immediately after planting will just wash away the rooting compound. A 4” pot will take 5 cuttings with ease. Place 3 light support stakes into the compost and use these to support a clear plastic bag over the cuttings. Place the pot on a windowsill or in a glasshouse and the new cuttings should take root fairly quickly. If new growth is evident give the cuttings a gentle thug and if resistance is felt it is time to lift the cuttings and pot them up separately. Plant out once any danger of frost has passed.
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