How to prune hardy fuchsias

The key to keeping fuchsias and other sub-shrubs in good shape is to prune them back annually in mid-spring, as they start into growth.

Find out how to prune hardy fuchsias and other sub-shrubs, below.

You Will Need

• Secateurs
• Long-handled loppers
• Garden fork

Step 1

Use secateurs to prune back the thicker stems to just above a 'node', composed of a pair of buds, low down on the stem. This will allow any stems that are still alive after the winter to heal, and prevents dieback down into the crown of the plant.

Step 2

Remove all the thinnest, weakest growth that formed last year, as most of this is likely to have been killed over the winter months. Cut this back to the main stems, so that all the plant's energy is channelled into strong buds and shoots.

Step 3

Look for any stems that have split or been damaged over the winter or during pruning. Cut them cleanly below the damage, using loppers if they're too thick for secateurs to cope with.

Step 4

Leave the plant looking neat and tidy. The remaining lower sections of last year's stems will help to protect new shoots that sprout from below soil level. Lightly fork around the base of the plant to remove weeds and relieve any soil compaction.

More sub-shrubs to prune like this

• Buddleia
• Caryopteris
• Ceanothus x delileanus 'Gloire de Versailles' and other deciduous forms (not evergreen ceanothus)
• Lavatera
• Lavender
• Perovskia
• Phygelius
• Teucrium fruticans
• Zauschneria