Solent Fuchsia & Flower Club

Growing Fuchsias For Pleasure

What we wear is not the sole domain of fashion. Although the design of clothes appear to change on a regular basis, perhaps for a commercial motive, maybe gardening tends to alter for a similar reason but at a more sedate pace. There may be various explanations for certain plants not being high on the popularity list. This ranges from possibly some being susceptible to certain diseases etc. and to others not being promoted often enough because they are not thought of as being ‘in vogue’, so therefore not held in particularly high esteem during that period of time.

In all probability a large percentage of readers are already familiar with the virtues of this adorable flower, but I’m sure it will do no harm just to give a gentle reminder that anyone with a minimal amount of horticultural knowledge is capable of obtaining satisfying results growing fuchsias. Be assured that cultivating them is not ‘rocket science’ and can ultimately become an enjoyable hobby and form of relaxation.

It has been suggested that fuchsias are the ballerinas of the flower world. They may not possess any fragrance nor are they ideal as cut flowers, but their uncomplicated cultivation procedure and their ability to produce a riot of breathtaking beautiful blooms for a majority of months during the year more than compensates for this. Combine this with their versatility to train in a multitude of shapes such as bush, shrub, standard, bonsai, pyramid, pillar, fan, espalier and the trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets, one can begin to understand their popularity. Although not recognized as a genuine climber, certain vigorous varieties of fuchsias may be trained to ‘climb’ by attaching them to a supporting frame such as a trellis or pergola. Fuchsias are also ideal plants for attracting pollinating bees.

Eventually, the opportunity may arise to join a local club or society where enthusiastic members will be only too willing to pass on to others their invaluable knowledge on how to cultivate this versatile plant and achieve the best results.

For those who are looking for more of a challenge, such things as Fuchsia Shows are also available where there will be the opportunity to exhibit your plants for the benefit of others to admire.

If you haven’t experienced growing fuchsias; – ‘Have a go’!

Growing Fuchsias Successfully Is Relatively Simple

Those of us that are interested in cultivating a particular variety of plant will probably discover that their personal type of soil does not suit it. No such problem arises when choosing to grow fuchsias because they will thrive quite successfully in an exceptional wide variety of soils. What one has to remember is that plants grown in open soil will not tolerate dust dry or waterlogged conditions. Providing the soil isn’t prone to either of these, success is almost guaranteed. When the word success is mentioned, one must be aware because there are several weather elements to consider during the course of the year. These range from when the ground is frozen solid due to severe frost during the winter and the possibility of lengthy heat-waves during the summer, although 2012 was the exception.

The more experienced gardeners are usually prepared for these situations and will take the necessary precautions to prevent any permanent damage occurring to whatever plant(s) that are being cultivated. Protection and care of fuchsias during the winter months will be much simpler if plants are chosen from the British Fuchsia Society’s hardy fuchsia list. These fuchsias have been specially hybridized to withstand the winter months in a majority of areas within the British Isles and will therefore stand a better chance of surviving the prolonged cold conditions.

Abnormal spells of hot weather during the summer months is a slightly easier predicament to overcome. By occasionally applying water to plants during the coolness of the evening will usually solve this dilemma. Watering at this time of the day will guarantee that any liquid accidentally deposited onto the leaves of your treasured plants will ensure the direct rays of sunlight will not scorch them. What is just as important is that the moisture will not evaporate before it has penetrated the soil and reached the roots of the plant(s).