Fuchsias – Plants with colour
Long flowering Fuchsias are one of the more popular plants in Australian gardens. Grown for the flowers they are suited to hanging baskets as well as growing in the garden border or in containers. An ever increasing number of varieties are available for sale online, from low growing and trailing types to those that will grow into medium sized shrubs.
It is the species that give Fuchsia plants such diversity and these include: arborescens, boliviana, gracilis, magellanica, procumbens and splendens. Fuchsias come in a wide range of colour and most Fuchsias are relatively easy to grow.
Plant Profile and Growing and Care Notes
Fuchsia plants prefer a cool sheltered position, morning sun is ideal. Fuchsias prefer a humus rich moist soil and remember to prune back after flowering to maintain shape. The trailing and smaller growing varieties work well in hanging baskets and pots. Fuchsias come in a huge variety of flower colours and forms are available.Fuchsia are a long flowering garden plant with some cultivars seemingly in perpetual bloom.
Planting Fuchsia
Fuchsias prefer a position in filtered light or at least protection from the hot afternoon sun. A humus rich moist but well drained soil is best and protection from frosts is important. Fuchsias do well in hanging baskets. Like many plants autumn is a great time to plant fuchsias. The soil is still warm and some new root growth before winter will give new plants a boost.
Prepare for planting by digging a hole deeper and wider than the pot, dig in some well rotted compost or cow manure and after planting the new fuchsia backfill the hole and water in well.
Fuchsias in hanging baskets
Fuschsia are often grown in hanging baskets. The baskets are lined with coco fibre. Wire baskets provide good drainage and are often used for planting fuchsias. Fuchsias also do well when planted in pots or containers.
Watering Fuchsias
Remember that fuchsias like to be moist but not wet, having said that we have fuchsias growing in dappled shade that we never water. Monitor the soil if its dry water, do not over water. Fuchsias in hanging baskets and containers will require regular watering.
Fertilizing Fuchsias
Fuchsias are not gross feeders, apply specialist fuchsia fertiliser once a year, or try an application of dynamic lifter in spring once new growth has commenced. Slow release fertilisers are best for hanging baskets.
Pruning Fuchsias
Tip prune as required to maintain shape. Most fuchsias respond well to pruning.
Fuchsia plants – Pests and diseases
Fuchsias are fairly pest and disease free once established. If you follow basic procedures such as making sure mulch is kept away from the stem of the plant to help prevent collar rot and providing a humus rich well drained but moist soil you should have few problems. Caterpillars, thrip and a few other insects can be problem, however these are easy controlled with sprays such as pyrethrum based pest controls.
Fuchsias do like to have some protections from hot drying winds.
Some Fuchsia Varieties include:
- Fuchsia Melanie Louise
Single flowering upright bushy habit with deep red sepals and an aubergine corolla. Vigorous and best in the garden or large pot. - Fuchsia Voodo
Double flowering with deep red sepals and a deep purple corolla. A trailing type well suited to a hanging basket or growing where it can tumble down over awol. Long flowering and vigorous. - Fuchsia Acclamation
A Double flowering type with pink sepals and a clear pink corolla. Large flowers and a long flowering trailing type suited to hanging baskets. Prune this type in late winter, with a light pruning in summer to helpmkeep a bushy habit and promote more flowers.
- Fuchsia Brighton Belle
Single flowering with pink sepals and corolla. A lax habit and well suited to hanging baskets, bushy growth Triphylla
- Fuchsia Jamie Evan
Single flowering lax to trailing type with pink sepals and a purple corolla with classic bell shaped flowers. Medium bushy habit, excellent in hanging baskets
You can buy Fuchsia Plants Online from the following participating nurseries
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
www.planterspatch.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au