Hardy Fuchsias in the Garden

The planting area should be dug well, and a general-purpose feed should be mixed in with the soil. The top of the root ball should be put in 2-3 inches below the surrounding soil level, and when the soil is put back around the plant, there should be a depression like a saucer to stop the water running away when you water.

Feed and water well during the first season, making sure the water soaks down into the soil so that the plant can build a good root system. Flowering will be improved if the plants are dead-headed, although some varieties do drop their blooms of their own accord. Dead material should be cleared away regularly to prevent pests and diseases. The plant will not grow very large the first year, but it will flower well. Some cultivars are compact and others may grow quite large, so make sure you choose a variety in keeping with the spot where you wish to grow it. Fuchsias are not very keen on being moved once they are established.

When the leaves start to fall in the autumn, clear them away to avoid disease. Only prune back about a third of the growth at this time to prevent any frost from going down into the root ball. Even if the variety is hardy, no fuchsia grown as a standard will be hardy, as any frost will kill off the stem. Although you will probably not lose the plant, it will only grow as a bush. The same applies to plants in tubs as the frost can get through the tub to the roots. For the first winter, the soil or a mulch should be built up around the plant to protect the root ball from any frost.

The dead stems should be cut off when new shoots start to appear (usually by late April). If you do not see any shoots at this time leave the plant for a while, as some varieties get going later than others. A light top dressing can be applied at this time.

HAPPY GROWING