Introduction

Fuchsias have always been a favourite of mine. They are so elegant, yet bold and dainty all wrapped up in one lovely flower. They are also tough and easy to grow.

Interestingly, fuchsias flower in shade during summer. What better plant to use to fill that dull gap in your garden. Alternatively, grow them in containers, pots or hanging baskets. If you are going to grow them in containers, use a shrub & tub or hanging basket mix.

Fuchsias are named after German Botanist Leonhard Fuchs, who was born over 500 years ago. There are now 1000`s of cultivars grown throughout the world, providing a fantastic range of double, single and semi double forms. The range of fuchsias available these days is incredible, and I just can`t have enough of them.

Fuchsias are found naturally in mountains of central & southern America , Tahiti and New Zealand . The berries are reputedly edible, and can be made into jam.

Caring For Fuchsias

Fuchsias need shelter from frost and cold in southern climates. They will also sulk if grown in soil that isn`t reasonably rich and moist. Fuchsias are greedy feeders and like generous servings of balanced fertiliser, particularly a slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote. To really thrill them, you can liquid feed every fortnight with Phostrogen liquid fertiliser.

Styles, Shapes and Training

Fuchsias can be shaped and styled in a variety of ways. Before you go off and trim yours remember to choose a shape that is suitable for the purpose you have in mind.

Shape suggestions include:

Bush - Trim the growing tip and the top pair of leaves. This will cause side shoots to grow. As this occurs, continue pinching these out. Pinch the next lot of side shoots when 20cm long.

Hanging baskets - To make a fuchsia into a beautiful hanging basket specimen, treat it just like a bush but let the side shoots grow longer until they droop to the level that you are happy with.

Standards - To grow a standard fuchsia, stake firmly and remove all side shoots. When your plant is at the desired height, pinch out the top. Now pinch as per a bush type until a full head has developed. (This may take a full year).

Pruning

Fuchsia pruning needs is carried out to encourage flowering and maintain shape and size. Without it, they will become straggly and the level of flowering will diminish. Pruning is best carried out in late winter but if you`re in a frost free climate, autumn is fine.

Pests and Diseases

Infestations of aphids and leaf hoppers can cause the leaves to drop. Aphids will also leave flower buds deformed. Application of a systemic insecticide will keep these unwelcome visitors under control.

When the weather is dry, red spider mites may attack your plants. These can be recognised by fine webbing and a silvery look on the leaves. Control red spider mites with a miticide or mist the plant with water to deter them.

Fuchsias can be susceptible to some fungal diseases, particularly rust. In order to control this, remove diseased leaves and dispose of them, but not into your compost bin. Regular use of a systemic fungicide will also help.

Propogation

If you`re keen, you can grow your own Fuchsias from cuttings taken from ripe wood over the November to May period (in the Southern Hemisphere). If you use mature wood, which is tougher - you are best to use a rooting hormone to help stimulate the formation of roots.

Taking the Cuttings
Tip or greenwood cuttings are taken when the plant is in leaf. Take young spring shoots just below the 3rd leaf junction. Remove the bottom two pairs of leaves (note, no rooting hormone will be required for this type of cutting.)

Press the prepared cuttings into prepared potting mix, water the mix gently and thoroughly and firm the cuttings in well.

Keep the cuttings at an average temperature of 10-16deg C for at least three weeks, protecting from the sun and maintaining an even moisture level at all times.