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Fuchsias
Botanical name - Fuchsia
Common name - Fuchsia
Description
- Evergreen and deciduous shrubs
Sunset zone(s) - vary by species
Exposure - Morning sun or partial shade. Full sun only
in cooler zones
Water requirements - Regular water
General Information - Fuchsias are originally from tropical
America. They attract Hummingbirds as they bloom all summer from late spring
until the first frost. They are available in several forms including upright
shrubs or trailing hanging basket forms. Fuchsias grow best in cool-summer areas
where there is a lot of moisture in the soil and the air. Fuchsias can only be
planted in full sun in some of the cooler zones. Generally, they should be
planted so they receive a small amount of morning sun or dappled shade all day
long. If your summers are warm, windy or dry, you should protect your fuchsia by
planting it in a location where it will be sheltered from the wind and will not
receive hot afternoon sun.
Fuchsia blooms appear on new growth, so if you prune your
fuchsia, be sure to do it before the new spring growth. Fuchsias readily accept
pruning so you can prune the plant to keep it a particular size or to remove
broken branches. Prune frost-damaged stems only after the last frost has past.
Fuchsias require porous, water-retentive acid soil that is rich in
organic matter. Plants in containers or hanging baskets will need more water as
they will dry out faster than those in the ground. For hanging baskets or
containers, regular fertilizing will keep the plant blooming through out the
season. A fertilizer such as Osmocote 14*3 works well.
Popular species - Magellanica, Paniculata, Procumbens,
Thymifolia, Triphylla
Nursery Notes - Frequent misting or overhead sprinkling will
help keep your fuchsia in good condition, the mist or spray will counteract low
humidity and will keep leaves clean. In addition to this overhead spraying may
help reduce the Fuchsia mite population. For potted fuchsias, it is possible to
prune quite severely before the spring growth begins. If you cut back the last
year's growth to two pairs of buds and then let three pairs of leaves form, you
can pinch off the stem tips. This pinching of the stem tips will stimulate
branch growth. Keep pinching for several weeks until the Fuchsia has developed
the bushy shape you desire. Throughout the season once flowers are faded, pick
them off to stimulate new flowers.
Additional help - The following information sheets may help
you with this plant
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Cambria Nursery and Florist
