Fuchsias can be likened to a cabaret – bright, colourful, entertaining and totally captivating. When in bloom, all eyes are drawn to the magnificent assortment of blooms. Colours range from clean and simple reds, pinks, creams and lavenders to multicoloured and frilly combinations of red, white, purple, magenta, lavender, cream and pink.
3 steps to planting fuchsia
Prepare
Fuchsias prefer a shady spot and reward you with vibrant blooms for months on end. Plant in a fertile, free draining soil, keep moist and away from strong winds and you will be rewarded with bloom after bloom. They are a perfect choice for pots and containers, with the flexibility of being able to move the pots to areas you want to highlight.
Garden centres have a wide range available from mid-spring; some favourite varieties to look out for are Genii, Heron, Lustre Improved, Rose Phenomenal, Sleigh Bells, Sundance series, Tree Fuchsia, Winston Churchill and Magellanica var. gracilis.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your Fuchsias will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Fuchsias with generous servings of Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser.
A well watered, well nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Fuchsias are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Prune to shape as required. In cooler areas, leave the bare branches on the plant all winter; trim back plants after the last frost. Old shrubs or trees can be cut back to ground level and will renew themselves with fresh branches and leaves.
Water, water and more water; it seems you cant give Fuchsias too much water. Water until the soil begins to puddle.