Beginning a New Cycle
Elsie Sydnor
editor, American Fuchsia Society

What we do in the garden in January and February will affect the whole year ahead. Visions of beautiful fuchsias in July depend on what sort of start they get now. Of course, pruning is a big part of the work now, but cleaning is also important. Leaves and debris need to be removed so there is less chance for disease and insects to survive. Containers need to be cleaned and repaired. Shelving should be scrubbed, also. All of this will give plants a healthier start.

Fuchsias need to be pruned because they bloom on new growth. A new grower should try to go to a pruning demonstration, either at a branch meeting or local nursery. It is so much easier to understand how much to prune if one can see the actual process. Local weather conditions dictate when to prune. If plants are protected from frost, the sooner the better, but if there is danger of frost, pruning should be delayed.

In the California Bay Area region, pruning and repotting starts in the latter part of January, but the fuchsias growing in the ground, will not be done until late February or early March. Two exceptions to this rule are ‘First Success’ and F. splendens, which bloom in early spring. They were pruned in late summer so that they will have plenty of growth before they start their blooming cycle.

When pruning, think of the shape of the blooming plant. In a basket, the branches should have a wagon wheel configuration so that the mature plant will have a well-rounded look. Wire hooks stuck in the soil encourage branches to somewhat change directions to fill in bare spots. Stiff branches growing up rather than out should be cut back. Judicious pinching of new growth will further enhance the shape of the plant.

A bush or shrub is pruned back by one-third to one-half of its summer size. Cut long branches back close to the upright stem, then pinch often as new growth appears to create thick foliage. If the plant is a shrub with multiple stems, consider taking out the weakest stems.

Starting new plants with cuttings from the pruning process is good insurance against losing a favorite variety. They can also be shared and traded with other members. Check "The Wonder of Cuttings" article in the last edition of the AFS Bulletin for details.

It is important to root prune a fuchsia at this time and refresh the soil. Take the plant out of the container and cut away about half the root ball. If the plant is too large to move i.e. a trellised or standard fuchsia, secured in a planter, use a large knife to cut away some of the soil and roots around the outside edge of the pot. Scoop out the old soil and put in fresh planting mix. The same can be done with fuchsias in the ground. Using a spade, cut away some of the soil, being careful to stay clear of the main root ball. Fill in with some fresh planting mix.

Spraying with a dormant spray after pruning helps kill off any eggs or vermin that might cause harm in the growing season. It is oil based so that it suffocates the organisms.

As soon as new growth appears, start feeding with a mild solution of a balanced fertilizer. Good air circulation will help prevent botritis and mildew. Check plants often to be sure the soil is moist, but not soggy and they are beginning to show growth. In areas where there is no danger of frost, fuchsias may be put in sunny locations for better growth.