Fuchsia

The beautiful flowering plants are a great addition to a shady balcony. They flower from May until late into the autumn. The flowers themselves are divided into two parts, consisting of erect sepals and hanging, closed corolla with long stamens. With a little imagination, you can see a dancing ballerina with a ruffled skirt and outstretched legs.

Combination possibilities

Fuchsias are available in pendent and upright forms, with filled and unfilled flowers. Usually they are two-coloured in red, pink, mauve, purple and white. The plants can be used as a solitary plant, i.e. stand-alone, and go well underplanted with evergreen plants such as ivy, foliage plants and shade-loving grasses, both in hanging baskets as well as boxes and tubs. Shade-friendly summer plants such as busy Lizzie also go well with them.

Location & Care

Fuchsias prefer to be in semi-shade to shade. They have normal water requirements but waterlogging should be avoided. Fuchsias only need a light feed, i.e. every fortnight with the liquid Organic Multipurpose Plant Feed. Regularly remove the seed pods in order to promote the formation of flowers. Fuchsias can be overwintered at 4–8°C in a bright or dark place. In February, trim the stems back to two buds and repot the plant in fresh soil. Now the fuchsias can be given more light and heat. A cool room with a north-facing window or an unheated flight of stairs would be ideal. Only put the cold-sensitive plants outdoors after the late Spring frost in mid-May.