How to Plant and Grow Fuchsias

Fuchsias are an easy to grow perennial shrub which bring a long flowering season to the garden. Flowering typically starts in mid summer and will continue until the first frosts of late autumn. Whilst a relatively easy plant to grow the Fuchsia is not entirely hardy and as such will benefit from a little extra care.

Planting Requirements for a Fuchsia

On the whole the Fuchsia is suited to a variety of soil types and conditions the main considerations for siting a Fuchsia relate to the fact that the plant is native to South America and as such even so called hardy varieties are not entirely exempt from the effects of a cold winter. As such a free draining soil will help to protect the plants root system from cold spells in which water logged soils such as clay freeze solid. In addition open and exposed sites should be avoided for the same reason.

Fuchsias grow vigorously throughout the season and put on a long display of flowers, as such frequent feeding and watering is required throughout the summer. Whilst a general purpose liquid or soluble feed works well enough specialist Fuchsia foods are available and will really help shrubs to give one’s garden that little extra vibrance.

Initial planting is also a consideration in the success of any Fuchsia shrub. In order to give the plant the maximum chance of survival initial planting should take place at a greater depth than other shrubs. This will allow deep planted roots to be protected from cold spells ensuring that even if the old wood is killed by a cold winter the plant is able to regenerate from its roots. Alternatively potted specimens may be brought indoors or into a green house for the winter period thus protecting the plant from frosts.

Uses of the Fuchsia Shrub in the Garden

The Fuchsia has a wide variety of uses within the garden and may include the use of hardy varieties as perennial shrubs as well as the use of less hardy varieties for single year use as an annual plant.

In mild areas of the country such as the South West the Fuchsia can be used to cerate a flowering hedge, in order for an attractive hedge to be created the wood must survive each winter. As such it is recommended that hardy varieties such asRiccartonii and Coralline are used.

Trailing varieties also make an attractive addition to the hanging basket although in such cases the varieties suitable are often not frost hardy and will need replacing on an annual basis. Finally the Fuchsia may be used as a stand alone shrub; if planted correctly a stand alone shrub will last many years producing new growth from the old wood in the average years. Cold years may see gardeners need to remove old wood but the plant will often regenerate from the root system if a suitable variety is selected.