Fuchsia
- Scientific Name: Fuchsia
- Garden: Dog Friendly Garden
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
- Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade
- Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained
Plant Information
Culture: Fuchsia enjoy fertile moist soil with good drainage. They grow in full sun, to partial and even full shade. Hardiness varies among varieties with Fuchsia magellanica being the most-cold tolerant. A cold winter will knock even the hardy ones to the ground- although they will re-sprout the following spring. A heavy mulch with compost in the fall helps insulate tender varieties through the winter.
Pests and Diseases: Stressed plants may be prone to powdery mildew, aphids, whitefly, spider mites or thrips. In early spring slugs or root weevil may cause damage. If air circulation is poor, botrytis mold may occur in cooler months. Rust is a fungal disease with raised orange bumps.
Propagation: By seed, but more commonly by cuttings from new growth.
Additional qualities: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Maintenance: Water regularly the first few years to establish plants. If you would like to create a bushier plant, pinch off the tips as it grows as this will encourage side shoots. Woody structure can be pruned in spring as new growth emerges to control plant size and shape. Many varieties can grow into large shrubs if left unpruned.