How to select fuchsias for particular planting sites...

You can tell what position a particular fuchsia prefers by the way that it looks. Fuchsias which have large surfaces are normally very soft. Fuchsias which have large and numerous petals should be kept in a shady position. White-flowering varieties normally discolour when they are subjected to too much sunlight.

Fuchsias for the patio or balcony

  • Upright varieties which grow quickly look wonderful when planted in large containers. These include Happy, Lady Thumb and Larissa.

  • Fuchsias that produce numerous shoots grow compactly and tend to stay low. They should be planted in wide tubs and containers.

  • Fuchsias which have hanging branches should be propagated in secure hanging baskets for example Elfriede Ott and Harry Gray.

  • Elegantly trailing types with soft shoots are ideal for tubs, free-standing urns pedestals and small hanging baskets.

Fuchsias for the garden

There are a wide range of varieties of fuchsia suitable for the garden. Combining standard and bush fuchsia results in the creation of diverse plant structures that look marvellous. Fuchsias can be combined with summer flowers and shrubs and can be planted in front of trees. Due to their shapes and multi-coloured flowers, fuchsias tend to dominate the scenario.

Plants in shades of green create a suitable background. Summer flowers in shades of pink, blue and white will blend well with the colours of the fuchsia flowers.

Hardy fuchsias

Hardy bushy fuchsias fit in well among shrubs or rows of trees. They cope with a lot of sun as long as the roots are kept moist. Hardy fuchsia begin flowering in mid-summer till the beginning of frost. In the winter the parts of the fuchsia above the ground die and the roots will produce new shoots when spring comes. These fuchsia reach heights of up to 1,5m in warm, sunny positions.

Hardy fuchsias should be planted 5cm deeper than other fuchsia varieties and need to be protected from frost.

Fuchsias indoors

The conditions in the house are normally different than those outside and are far from ideal conditions needed by the fuchsia to grow well. Fuchsia indoor seem to have a shorter lifespan when compared to those growing outside. This is due to the fact that there is less fresh air in the home; there are lower temperatures at night and very low humidity levels.

Where to buy fuchsias

Nowadays one can obtain fuchsias from a wide range of sources. There are many fuchsia raisers and gardeners who formed clubs and societies to acquire new fuchsia varieties. Flower shops normally stock bedding plants and varieties for patios and balconies.

Nurseries normally have varieties of function at different stages of growth. You can get advice from nursery staff regarding how best to care and grow the fuchsia.

Garden centers offer large quantities of plants and at cheaper prices than flower shops. It is rare to find botanical rarities in garden centers. There are also numerous plant containers, soils and potting composts, plant protection agents and useful reading information.

If you are purchasing a limited choice of fuchsia you can use mail order companies which provide unusual varieties. You can also purchase fuchsia at regional shows were private collectors showcase their plants.

Points to consider when purchasing fuchsias

Always select fuchsias that have vibrant colours and shiny, perfect leaves which are not spaced out too far apart. Watch for spotty leaves as they spell out fungal infection here!

The undersides of the leaves must be free of pests such as white fly. The roots of the plant must be firm and white.