Few flowers offer such an interesting form and variety of hues as fuchsia.
The two different-color sets of petals that make up the intricate blooms aren’t all petals.
Instead, the four outer “petals” are actually sepals.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
These protect the inner parts of the flowers from damage.
Once the sepals open, the actual petals are revealed.
There are usually four petals inside, often a deeppurple color.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Where to Plant Fuchsia
Plant fuchsia in well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun.
With over 100 known species of fuchsia, there are wide varieties of growth habits.
For example, fuchsias with a semi-trailing habitwork well in hanging basketsor spilling over the side of a container.
Credit: Justin Hancock
This is typically done with upright varieties.
These same varieties are great in garden beds.
Fuchsias can also be trained into small novelties like topiary plants and bonsai specimens.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
Grow potted plants in a peat-based potting mix.
Fuchsia is susceptible to root rot, so ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes.
This will help to protect the plant crown during cold weather.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Water deeply and continue to water regularly until established.
Fuchsia Care Tips
Fuchsia can be temperamental and may need a lot of attention during hot spells.
Potted fuchsia may need watering twice a day during especially warm days.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Light
Ensure yourplants have shadefrom the afternoon sun to prevent problems for fuchsia during the hottest months.
They prefer partial or deep shade.
Soil and Water
Fuchsia doesn’t like to sit in water.
Credit: Dan Piassick
The plant does, however, like to be consistently moist.
Finding the right amount of water can be a little tricky.
Plant themin a well-drained potting mixand keep them always watered.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
verify if your plants need watering by pushing your finger into the soil to the first knuckle.
If the soil feels dry, it needs watering.
If the soil is still moist, wait to water to keep root rot from setting in.
Amend soil with peat moss or compost before planting in the ground.
Temperature and Humidity
Many species of fuchsia stop producing flowers in too much heat.
In warmer climates,look for heat-tolerant selections, so they don’t wither away in the summer heat.
They’ll thrive in shady conditions where other plants won’t.
Fuchsia is a great option for container gardens.
Fertilizer
For the best flowers, feed these hungry plants every two weeks when they’re blooming.
Use diluted balancedliquid fertilizeraccording to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning
Pinch off spent flowers to help maintain fuchsia’s constant blooms.
This allows plants to focus more energy on creating new buds instead of producing seed.
Use peat-based potting soil.
To treat this problem, use insecticidal soap.
How to Propagate Fuchsia
Propagate from cuttings:
Propagate fuchsia via cuttings in the spring.
Propagate indoors from seeds.
It grows 2 feet tall and wide.
It has good heat tolerance.
It grows 15 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Zones 10-11
Dichondra
This strikingtrailing annualwill add silver foliage to your container and other plantings.
It’s a perennial in the warmest parts of the United States.
Zones 10-11
Impatiens
Impatiens isthe old reliable for shade gardenswhen you want color all season long.
If you have a bright spot indoors, you may be able to grow impatiens as an indoor plant.
The mature height of fuchsia depends on the variety you grow.
They have a moderate growth rate of one to two feet a year.
