Fuchsias

Fuchsias are commonly included in hanging baskets, but some varieties can reach 12 feet in height! Blooms can be pink, red, white, purple or orange.

Caring for fuchsias

Flowers emerge from new wood, so pruning can boost production. In late winter, trim back old wood, leaving 2 or 3 buds to each stem.

Some fuchsia varieties are deciduous, while others are evergreen. Be sure to read the plant information label for detailed information.

Fuchsias

These members of the Evening Primrose family (Onangracea) generally love filtered light and will even thrive in shady areas. They do not perform well in full sun. I hang mine in a basket from a branch in one of my orange trees. It looks pretty when it’s blooming and I don’t even notice it when it’s not.

Fuchsias prefer overhead watering and will need to be watered frequently during our hot summer months. Spider mite and fuchsia gall mite damage can be minimized with insecticidal soap. During flower production, feed a complete fertilizer every few weeks or use delayed release plant food stakes (my personal choice for containerized ornamentals).

In winter, I leave mine alone completely, and every spring it comes back adding a lovely touch of color. The hummingbirds seem to like it, too!