Why, how, when and how often?

Cut back the fuchsia annually

Fuchsias only bloom on soft, this year's shoots. However, since these become lignified from autumn and thus become old, untrimmed fuchsias become more and more rotten in bloom over the years. To prevent this from happening, prune the plants once a year. In doing so, you remove about a third to half of the bush, but without cutting too far into the old wood. Leave at least 10 centimeters of the wood! You should also remove dead and sickly parts of the plant immediately so that the fuchsia remains healthy and blooms diligently throughout the summer.

Pruning: Better before winter or in spring?

Whether you do annual pruning in autumn or carry it out in the spring is up to you. However, there are a few good reasons for an autumn cut:

• cut back, hardy fuchsias are easier to overwinter
• Cut back, not hardy fuchsias take up less space in the winter quarters
• cut fuchsias need less light in winter (less leaves = less light)
• Above-ground parts of hardy fuchsias will freeze back anyway
• Dried parts of plants are potential targets for pathogens
• Mushrooms etc. nest there more easily and weaken the plant
• You don't run the risk of missing the right time to prune in spring

However, the lignification also offers the chance to create fuchsias not only as a bush, but also optionally as a tall trunk or even to bonsai to educate. However, these growth forms require regular pruning over the years.

• Support the cutting of a standing fuchsia variety with a stick.
• Semi-hanging varieties can also be used for this purpose.
• Regularly cut off all side shoots.
• As a result, the plant grows upwards faster and develops a stem.
• Once the fuchsia has reached the desired height, let the side shoots grow.
• Avoid "wild growth", however, but form a crown through targeted cutting.

With regard to on the care Standard fuchsia trunks or bonsai have the same requirements as naturally growing fuchsias.