Hardy Fuchsias
There are many types of fuchsias to choose from.
Those that are recommended to be planted in the garden and left there during the winter months are listed as Hardies. For fuchsia plants to qualify under this heading, stringent tests must be carried out.
Different varieties are distributed all over the British Isles and cultivated under normal conditions for several years. They are left exposed to the elements during the winter months.
If after a predetermined time these plants manage to survive even the coldest climate, they are then categorised as Hardies.
The British Fuchsia Society has an official list of fuchsia plants that are capable of being over wintered in the garden (see below).
It would be advisable to only select from these if you wish to grow fuchsias in the garden and leave them there all the year round.
Planting & Winter Care
After choosing an ideal location and digging the hole for the selected plant, sprinkle a light dressing of an organic fertilizer (e.g. bonemeal) over the excavated soil and then gently fork it in.
Remove the pot before planting.
This may sound ridiculous, but it is not unknown for fuchsias to have been planted with the pot left in situ. Place a liberal amount of garden compost or similar material in the bottom of the hole.
When planting hardy fuchsias into the garden, it is advisable to plant them slightly deeper than the depth of the pot (see diagram below).
The line depicts the ground level.
Planting at this depth not only has the benefit of protecting the roots from severe frost, but also the branches below ground level will usually produce extra root growth.
After positioning the plant at the suggested level, replace the soil, (with the added fertilizer) ensuring it is in contact with all the root system.
Gently firm the soil around the plant and insert a label with the name of the fuchsia. Lastly, apply adequate water and keep the soil moist until the plant is well established.
Planting is best completed before the end of August, thus allowing it time to become acclimatised to the elements before winter arrives.
As an extra precaution, a mulch of well rotted garden compost or any similar material spread copiously around the plant in the autumn should provide extra root protection during the winter.
Pruning
It is an advantage to retain the branches intact on the plants during the winter.
This not only prevents any disease entering the wounded stems caused by late pruning, but the extra cover will also help to give them a little protection during the very cold months.
The best time to prune outdoor fuchsias is during early spring after the new shoots appear.
Cut back every branch just above a pair of leaf buds to within three or four inches from the surface of the ground.
This type of hard pruning will also induce new growth to sprout from below ground level.
Repeat this procedure every year.
Do not prune any outdoor fuchsias until you are sure that all frosts are finished
