Fuchsias are much-loved for their long-flowering period from summer into autumn. These deciduous plants offer hanging bell-shaped flowers in a range of colours, including white, pink, purple and red.
There’s a huge number of different varieties available to grow – some are hardy, while others are half hardy and require winter protection. Hardy types are grown as garden shrubs, whilst half-hardy plants are ideal for summer displays in baskets or pots.
More expert advice on growing fuchsias:
- 10 fabulous fuchsias to grow
- How to pinch out fuchsias
- How to grow fuchsias in a container (video)
- Best fuchsias for pots and containers
- How to prune hardy fuchsias
- Hardy fuchsias to grow
- How to take cuttings from tender fuchsias
Here’s how to grow fuchsias.
Where to plant fuchsias
Fuchsias need to be grown in a sheltered spot, as the pendent flowers are easily blown off on the larger flowering varieties. Fuchsias can cope with any type of soil but it must be well-drained. Full sun is ideal but a scorching south-facing spot or conservatory can be too much for them. If you’re growing them in containers under glass, avoid too much direct sunlight – use greenhouse shading if necessary.
If growing standard fuchsias in containers they’re often better with no underplanting as they’ll soon fill the pot.
Watch Monty Don’s video guide to growing fuchsias in a container:
How to plant fuchsias
Half-hardy varieties with a trailing habit are ideal for hanging baskets or containers. A multi-purpose compost with added slow-release fertiliser is ideal. Water plants in well. Don’t be tempted to put out tender varieties until all danger of frost has passed.
When planting hardy shrubs dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter. Firm plants in well. Hardy fuchsias are not keen on being moved, so make sure you have picked the perfect spot.
Taking cuttings from fuchsias
Fuchsias are easy to propagate from softwood cuttings, which can be taken at any time of year. Discover how to take softwood cuttings.
Fuchsias: problem solving
Vine weevil are attracted to fuchsias, especially if grown in pots undercover. Adult weevils will nibble notches out of the leaves. The grubs feast on the plant roots and this can kill even mature plants.
Deal with the problem with a biological control applied in August. Chemical solutions should also be applied in August or September.
Looking after fuchsia plants
Fuchsia are often trained as standards. You can buy ready-grown plants, or, if you’re patient, try it yourself – it can take a number of years. Remove the lower side shoots in spring and support the plant with a cane.
Discover the three Golden Rules of growing fuchsias, in this short video featuring fuchsia expert Mike Clare:
Fuchsias should never be pruned in autumn – prune in spring once the plant is in active growth. Pruning before winter can open the plant up to pests and diseases and leave hardy plants open to frost damage in severe winters. Hardy fuchsias can be pruned quite hard to maintain a neat shape.
Tender fuchsias growing in containers will appreciate a top up of fresh compost every year and some slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Overwinter tender fuchsias in a cool, frost-free place out of direct sunlight and reduce watering.
When is a fuchsia hardy?
In order for a fuchsia to earn the description of ‘hardy’ it has to survive five consecutive years growing outside all year. Find a list of plants that have achieved this on the British Fuchsia Society website. It’s worth noting that the ‘hardy’ label is not a guarantee of winter endurance in all parts of the country – it’s purely a guide.
Great fuchsia varieties to grow
- Fuchsia magellanica – a reliable hardy type that is often used as a flowering hedge. Red flowers all summer. A quick grower reaching 1.5m
- Fuchsia ‘Bella Evita’ – specially bred for containers and window boxes. Pink flowers and sepals from June to October. A half-hardy type that reaches just 40cm in height
- Fuchsia ‘Dollar Princess’ – a hardy plant that flowers from June to November and enjoys life in the border. Double dark purple flowers and bright pink sepals. Reaches 45cm in height
- Fuchsia ‘Army Nurse’ – hardy with red sepals and with semi double purple flowers from June to September. Ideal for border in a sheltered garden. 50cm in height
