Fuchsias

How to grow

Native to the rainforests of South America, Fuchsias are easy to grow shrubs and trees with beautiful pendulous single, double or semi double-tubular flowers that hang down like dancing ballerinas. There are over 3000 species of Fuchsia with endless, contrasting colour combinations and flower forms to add enchantment to any garden.

At a Glance:

• Height - 50cm to 2 metres
• Position - Semi shade
• Soil - Cool, moist and well drained
• Flower - Early spring to autumn
• Colours - Pink, white, red, crimson, purple

Selection

Fuchsias are actually perennials but are grown as annuals as they're quite sensitive to cold. The trailing varieties are the most popular as groundcovers or in hanging baskets but the upright varieties in garden beds also make a fine showing both in leaves and flowers. Both varieties produce flowers with single or double sets of petals. 

Trailing varities include:

• Blush of Dawn - pink and light purple double flowers. Trails down to about 45cm.
• Harry Gray - mostly white with a slight pink tinge double flowers. Trails down to about 60cm.
• Trailblazer - vivid pink double flowers. Trails dow to about 60cm.
• Dark Eyes - purple and vivid red double flowers. Trails down to about 60cm.
• Indian Maid - purple and red double flowers. Trails down to about 45cm.

Upright varieties include:

• Baby Blue Eyes - violet and vivid red flowers. Grows to height 45cm.
• Cardinal Farges - bright red and white single flowers. Grows to height 60cm.
• Beacon - deep pink and purple single flowers. Grows to height 60cm.  

 
When & Where to Plant

Fuchsias are best planted in spring and summer. If planting in summer, keep well-watered.
Fuchsias enjoy cool summer temperatures with plenty of moisture.
Plant in the semi shade in a sheltered position away from hot dry prevailing winds. Do not plant in full sun. Protect from frosts.
Fuchsias grow in any well drained average garden soil. Raise beds in clay soil to improve drainage or if planting under established trees.

How to Plant

Dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted organic material before planting. 

After Care...

Feeding

Fuchsias require regular feeding throughout summer to encourage continuous flowering. Use Tui General Garden Fertiliser or a soluble fertiliser such as Phostrogen or Yates Thrive

Flower and Fruit.

Watering

Fuchsias are thirsty in summer and require regular watering. Overhead watering is best as this helps increase humidity, which they enjoy.

Mulching

Mulch in spring to keep the roots cool and moist throughout summer.

Pruning

Fuchsias need regular pruning or they will become leggy and woody with very few flowers.

• Prune in winter (May to July).  In cooler climates, prune in early spring when frosts have passed.
• Pruning usually involves removing dead wood and spindly growth.
• Regular pinching of the new tips encourages bushy growth and more flowers.
• Remove spent flowers so berries do not form as this reduces flowering. 

 
Pests and Diseases

Thrips are small black sucking insects that cause speckled silvery leaves. Spray with Mavrik or Confidor. Prune back affected foliage.
Mites are minute sucking insects found on the underside of leaves that cause distortion, speckling and silvering of leaves. Spray with Mavrik.
Aphids are small sucking insects on new growth. Hose them off or control with Confidor.
Leaf Roller Caterpillars chew holes in leaves and flowers and roll themselves up in the leaves with webbing. Squash the caterpillar with fingers, or spray with Mavrik.
Rust can be seen as orange or red raised spots on the underside of yellowing leaves. Spray with Yates Bravo or Shield.

Other Uses

• Fuchsias are very versatile and perform well in containers for the patio and deck or placed around the garden in pots to brighten a shady spot.
• Keep well-watered in summer.
• The trailing varieties can be grown in hanging baskets.
• They make great hedges, are suitable to use for topiary, responding well to pruning and shaping into a standard, and can be espaliered along wires against a shady wall.