Hardy fuchsias: tips on care & repotting

Fuchsias are mostly frost-sensitive summer bloomers, but some varieties are hardy - how can that be and how do you care for the hardy fuchsias?

As the impressive flowers with their unusual color combinations suggest, these are the Fuchsias in no way about native plants. With their tropical to subtropical origins, they usually react very sensitively to the cold temperatures in winter in this country. In the following we show why this is not always the case and how best to deal with hardy fuchsias.

Hardy fuchsias: how can that be?

Although fuchsias do not have to fear frost in their natural environment, and therefore neither Having developed tolerance, there are some varieties that still don't hang their heads in the cold permit. These are species that are often very close to the wild forms. Often there are also hybrids that have been specially bred to tolerate cold.

Hardy fuchsia varieties

The following varieties are also suitable for wintering outdoors in this country:

Alice Hoffmann

• Red and white flower
• Standing growth
• Height from 30 - 60 cm

Caledonia:

• Red flowers
• Standing growth
• Height from 50 - 60 cm

Cardinal Farges

• Red and white flower
• Partially shaded location
• Simple to double flowers

Delicate purple

• Pink-purple flower
• Hanging growth habit
• Simple flowers

Dollar princess

• Pink-purple flower
• Suitable as a bush or high trunk
• Double flowers

Prepare hardy fuchsias for winter

Despite their winter hardiness, there are also some rules that you should absolutely observe when wintering hardy fuchsias. Otherwise, it may happen that your fuchsia gives up the ghost during the cold season, despite the term "hardy". Pay attention to the following points.

Cut hardy fuchsias properly

Annual pruning is an important means of protecting the fuchsia on the one hand during winter and at the same time preparing it for the next year. Because fuchsias have to be cut every year for a lush bloom so that fresh shoots are formed. Therefore, cut back about a third of the plant in winter so that the fuchsia is nice and compact for wintering.

Do you have to cover hardy fuchsias?

Regardless of whether your hardy fuchsia hibernates in a bucket or outdoors - it also needs to be protected from the cold. Use insulating material such as leaves, sticks and straw for this. It has also proven useful to pile up the plants with soil in autumn. If you want to be on the safe side, the use of protective garden fleece is also recommended.

Here's how to prepare your fuchsia for winter:

• Cut back in autumn (about a third)
• Winter protection from leaves, brushwood and straw
• Pile in additional garden fleece and soil for insulation

These products protect your plants from frost:

• Thermo garden fleece: Ideal for protecting your plants from cold and frost in winter. Can be cut to size individually.
• Burlap sack / blanket: Reliable protection against cold and frost made of 100% jute. Decorative natural fabric with a long lifespan.
• Coconut mat: Excellent heat storage made from natural fibers. Breathable, weatherproof and durable.

Repotting hardy fuchsias: how often and when?

Hardy fuchsias, which are cultivated in pots and pots, need a change of substrate from time to time, just like their non-hardy conspecifics. In addition, with healthy growth, the pot becomes too small after a certain time and repotting creates new space for the roots. Ideally, repot your fuchsia once a year. Spring is best for this, as it gives the plant enough time to put down new roots during the summer.

You can find more information on how to prune back the plants correctly - even in winter - in our special article on Cutting fuchsias.