Fuchsia Plants and Fuchsia Trees

Choosing the Right Fuchsia for Your Garden

There's a huge range of fuchsias suitable for UK gardens, so it’s worth thinking about how you plan to use them. Trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes, offering months of cascading colour. Bush and upright forms provide structure in borders and patio pots, while standard fuchsia trees add height and a more formal appearance. For reliable winter hardiness, opt for hardy fuchsia varieties that will tolerate being outdoors in most areas of the UK with mulching and a little protection.

Planting and Growing Fuchsias

Fuchsias plants are best placed in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, as full midday sun can scorch their foliage. Avoid windy locations, as strong winds can damage their branches and flowers. They love fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, so when planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter to support root growth and summer flowering. Keep plants evenly watered, particularly those in containers, and feed every couple of weeks during the growing season to encourage continuous blooms. Deadheading helps prolong flowering, while light pruning in late spring keeps plants compact and encourages fresh growth.

Care and Long-Term Maintenance of Fuchsia Plants

Hardy fuchsias like an autumn mulch to protect roots from frost, while tender varieties should be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. Standard fuchsias need a little extra protection as their stems are more exposed. Fuchsias are robust and long-lived with regular watering, feeding and occasional trimming, brightening up borders, baskets and pots throughout the summer.