Plant type: shrub.
Description: These graceful plants are ideal for growing indoors, greenhouses, containers and beds. In regions where fuchsias can grow in the garden, these flowers grow quite tall, beautiful shrubs, and they are used as a hedge. In cold climates, these plants die in the winter, but in the spring, new shoots emerge from the base of the shrub. Under such conditions, it is desirable to protect the base of the plant before the onset of frost. Flowers grown during the summer and early fall tend to be drooping and come in a variety of hues. Some of these plants look great in hanging baskets. They reach a height of up to 90 cm.
- Origin: Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
- Foliage: Dark green, stems usually reddish.
- Humidity level: moderate.
- Lighting: bright, but the sun’s rays should not be direct.
- Flowering: These plants bloom very spectacularly. The hue of flowers is usually purple, pink, red or white.
Fuchsia – care
Soil type: It is very important that the soil is well-drained. Ordinary garden soil will be fine. Before planting in the ground, add compost or manure. You can also choose the following soil composition: five parts loam, one part sand and humus. Fuchsia, which is easy to care for, will grow well if you add a little wood ash.
Watering: The soil should be evenly moist. As the foliage falls in autumn, watering should be gradually reduced. When all the leaves have fallen, the soil should be dry.
Fertilizers: During spring and summer, water-soluble fertilizers should be applied once every two weeks, and once a week during the flowering period.
Fuchsia – landing
The best time for planting is May or early June. These plants look very good in hanging baskets. Plant two or three flowers at the edge of the basket and one in the middle. Fuchsia, which does not present any difficulties in planting, will grow well if moss is added to the basket. If you are growing flowers in a greenhouse, be sure to provide good ventilation. In hot and humid conditions, flowering will not be abundant.
Fuchsia – transplant
In spring or early summer, these plants need to be transplanted. Fuchsia, which is not so difficult to transplant, will stop growing if it grows all the time in the same place. She needs regular soil renewal.
Fuchsia – reproduction
From the mother plant, it is necessary to take shoots about 7 cm long. Remove the lower leaves, and the base of the shoot must be cut right near the node. Then they take root in the greenhouse. Fuchsias, which are easy to propagate, should be planted in March or early April. Soil should be firmly packed around the roots. Fuchsia, which is rarely grown from seeds, will not germinate if the seeds are buried too deep.
Pests: possible damage by whiteflies, plant aphids, spider mites and thrips.
Application: fuchsia flower is mainly used for decorative purposes.
Additionally: in February, shrubs should be cut about half. At a temperature of 10-12°C, sprouts will begin to appear on the flower again. If you cut the shoots several times, the plant will have a bushy appearance. When growing along a wall, fuchsias need to be pruned in late winter or early spring. Long, thin branches can be removed. The main branches should be cut at the base, while leaving a few buds that formed during the past summer. If some of the branches died due to cold weather, then only them should be removed, and the rest should be left. If you live in a region where the climate is mild and you want your fuchsias to be large, then save them in the winter, and also trim the ends of long thin branches. Spray the fuchsia from time to time, but make sure that the water does not contain lime.
Fuchsia hybrid – Fuchsia hybrida
This shrub has a purple tint to the flowers. Fuchsia hybrid blooms from mid-summer to mid-autumn. Its distinguishing feature is a long flowering period. It needs to be grown in partial shade.
Ampelous fuchsia is also very popular. It is most often used for decorative purposes. Fuchsias, whose varieties are widely distributed, are grown mainly in gardens, pots and hanging baskets.