With their graceful droop , complex petal structure and arresting color , fuchsias make the shade garden pop .
Although they are easy to grow , you should n’t just plant them and block them . These warm - loving beauties wo n’t hold up wintertime and need a serious swallow of water supply during dry summers , but they are worth it .
The most common type found in nurseries in the U.S. , the annual fuchsia also hollo lady ’s eardrops ( Fuchsia x hybrida;USDA hardiness zones 10B to 12b ) has hundreds of cultivars . In fact , peruse any greenhouse ’s nicety garden survival , and you ’ll have to choose between a handful of white , majestic and bright pink colors in an raiment of form .
Fuchsia in the Landscape
Whether you have propagated your fuchsia plants from cuttings or purchased seedlings , leap is the best time to imbed .
The first place to start is to find a nice , semi - louche spot or even one in full shade . Ensure that the spot has well - enfeeble grease , with a pH on the acidic side , id est under 6.0 . The soil can be loamy or a little sandy .
If you set your fuchsia in container , you may move the pot around to more advantageous positions as the growing time of year supercharge .
Companion Planting With Fuchsia
If planting directly in the garden , consider fellow traveller plants for your fuchsia . One standout choice is hosta , with its sumptuous leaves that can frame and complement the fuchsia ’s flowers .
In accession , consider coral bells , begonia or rhododendron ( for their larger size of it ) , all of which will combine with fuchsia to create a tapestry of coloring .
Fertilizer and Irrigation
Fuchsias require a lot of food for thought if they are to fulfill their hope . While they are continual bloomers , they will bloom less if they run out of pizzazz . They also are not heat- or drought - broad , so they need a regular boozing of water .
Give Them Food
During the growing season , provide them with a soluble , balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks . This means that the three numbers on the fertilizer result should be roughly adequate , for representative , 10 - 10 - 10 , which represent 10 % each of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium .
If you plan to bring them indoors before frost tooverwinter themfor next class , stop feeding them about two week prior .
Give Them Drink
Water your fuchsia regularly during wry atmospheric condition whenever the soil surface is dry . Fuchsias ca n’t tolerate standing body of water though , so avoid overwatering . like to fertilizer , slow up down watering in the capitulation if you are planning to bring your plants indoors .
Tip
Be certain to terminate fertilizing your fuchsia two weeks prior to bringing them indoors for overwintering .
Flowering and Pruning
As your fuchsia grow , prune vernal plants back a bit to advance bushier growth and lumbering prime . When flowers die , trim them off , along with any dead or give-up the ghost branches , to insure the plant can focalise its energies on developing new blooms .
At the end of the season , prune themto about 6 inches tall before bring them in for the winter .
Pests and Environmental Issues
the best course of action at law is to hose down them off . If you have a toilsome infestation , spray them with insecticidal soap .
