Fuchsias are usually 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, the fuchsias are by no means native plants. With their tropical to subtropical origin, they usually react very sensitively to the cold temperatures in winter in this country. Below we show why this is not always the case and how to best deal with hardy fuchsias.
Hardy fuchsias: How can that be?
Although fuchsias don't have to fear frost in their natural environment and have therefore not developed any tolerance, there are some varieties that don't just hang their heads when it's cold. These are species that are often very close to the wild forms. Often there are also hybrids that have been specially bred to tolerate the cold.
Hardy Fuchsias
The following varieties are also suitable for overwintering outdoors in this country:
Alice Hoffmann
- Red & White Blossom
- Upright growth
- Height from 30 - 60 cm
Caledonia:
- Red Blossoms
- Upright growth
- Height from 50 - 60 cm
Cardinal Farges
- Red & White Blossom
- Semi-shady location
- Single to double flowers
Delicate Purple
- Pink-purple flower
- Trailing growth habit
- Simple Flowers
Dollar Princess
- Pink-purple flower
- Suitable as a bush or standard tree
- Double flowers
Preparing Hardy Fuchsias for Winter
Despite their winter hardiness, there are a few rules that you should definitely observe when overwintering the hardy fuchsias. Otherwise, it may happen that your fuchsia gives up the ghost during the cold season, despite the designation "hardy". Pay attention to the following points.
HardyCut fuchsias correctly
Annually pruning is an important way to protect the fuchsia during the winter and at the same time to prepare it for the next year. Because fuchsias have to be cut anew every year for lush flowering, 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 the winter.
Do you have to cover hardy fuchsias?
Regardless of whether your hardy fuchsia overwinters in a bucket or outdoors - it must also be protected from the cold. Use insulating material such as leaves, brushwood and straw for this purpose. It has also proven useful to pile up the plants with soil in autumn. If you want to be on the safe side, we also recommend using protective garden fleece.
Prepare your fuchsia for winter like this:
- Pruning back in autumn (about a third)
- Winter protection from leaves, brushwood and straw
- Add garden fleece and soil for insulation
These products protect your plants from frost:
- Thermal garden fleece: Ideal for protecting your plants from cold and frost in winter. Can be cut individually.
- Jute sack/blanket: Reliable protection against cold and frost made from 100% jute. Decorative natural fabric with a long service life.
- Coir mat: Outstanding heat storage made of natural fibre. Breathable, weather-resistant and durable.
Jute protective fleece made from 100% jute fibers, approx. 105 x 500 cm€11.03 €11.01Details →- 30%
Coconut felt mat, cold protection 0.5 x 1.5 m, brown,€9.99 €6.95Details →
Repot hardy fuchsias: how often and when?
Winter-hardy fuchsias that are cultivated in tubs and pots, like their non-hardy counterparts, need a change of substrate from time to time. In addition, with he althy growth, the pot will become too small after a certain time and repotting will provide new space for the roots. Ideally, repot your fuchsia once a year. Spring is the best time for this, as this gives the plant enough time during the summer to put down new roots.
For more information on how to prune the plants properly - even in winter,see our special article on pruning fuchsias.