Fertilizing and Pruning Hardy Fuchsias

Did you know that hardy fuchsias fare well in the climate of the Pacific Northwest? The following is part of our ongoing series of articles about hardy fuchsias by PowellsWood gardener and consultant Jackie LaVerne. Click here for the full Fuchsias 101 Archive!

FUCHSIAS 101: Fertilizing and Pruning

by Jackie LaVerne, Owner of Magellanica Gardens Nursery

While hardy fuchsias are relatively easy to care for, a little extra attention can help them become even more beautiful and healthy plants.

Hardy fuchsias can be fertilized with well-composted material, spread around the base of the plant in the spring and in the fall. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, but it is not necessary. If you do use a fertilizer, use a well-balanced fertilizer like a 20-20-20.

Hardy fuchsias require little pruning. Once you see 2 to 4 inches of new growth in the spring, you can cut the old growth back as far as you like, but leave 2 to 4 inches of new growth from the ground. If the plants grow too large for the space they are in, cut them back as far as you like, leaving at least 2 to 4 inches of growth from the ground; this will encourage compact growth and increase the number of blooms on the plant.