Fuchsia is an ornamental plant prized for its brightly coloured flowers and long summer flowering. It produces charming, hanging bell-shaped flowers, usually bi-coloured and bearing long, very decorative stamens. There are more than 100 fuchsia species, some hardier than others. To make the most of this plant, it is essential to know the right care practices, notably pruning. In this guide, we explain in detail why to prune a fuchsia and how to do it, whether grown in a pot or in open ground.
Why pruning a fuchsia?
Pruning is essential for several reasons:
- It stimulates growth of new shoots and encourages flowering.
- It helps maintain a balanced, airy habit, thus reducing risk of disease and pests.
- It prolongs plant life by removing dead, damaged or diseased branches.
When and how to prune a fuchsia grown in a pot?
Pruning is generally done in autumn, before bringing the fuchsia under cover, or in late winter, before growth restarts.
How to prune:
- Disinfect pruning shear with methylated spirits to avoid spreading disease.
- Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches, and any that cross over one another.
- Cut back all branches to about 15–20 cm in height.
We also recommend pinching in spring and during the season. To do this, cut the tips of the stems by hand to encourage ramification and abundant flowering. Remove faded flowers as well.
When and how to prune a fuchsia grown in open ground?
For a hardy fuchsia in open ground, pruning is carried out in late winter, before growth starts (February–March).
Fuchsias can also be cut back to 15 cm above ground in autumn (October–November), then mulched to protect the stump.
How to prune?
- Disinfect pruning shear with methylated spirits to avoid spreading disease.
- Cut all stems to about 10–15 cm above ground, taking care to leave some buds on each stem.
- Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches, and any that cross over one another.
- Lightly prune remaining branches to promote balanced growth.
- Mulch the base with compost or pine bark to protect the root system.
How to train a fuchsia on a stem?
It is possible to train a fuchsia on a stem so it forms a straight, upright trunk, topped by a head of leaves and flowers. Choose a vigorous variety with an erect habit, reaching at ripeness at least 1 m high, such as Fuchsia magellanica ‘Riccartonii’ or Fuchsia ‘Mrs Popple’
Pruning can be done in autumn, after leaf fall, or in late winter.
How to prune:
- Disinfect pruning shear with methylated spirits.
- Select a strong, straight main stem, and remove other stems at the base.
- Tie it to a stake to keep it straight and encourage upward growth.
- Remove lateral shoots on the lower two-thirds of the main stem to clear the trunk.
- Allow shoots on the upper third to develop to form a rounded head.
- Trim the lateral shoots of the head regularly to maintain an attractive shape and encourage flowering.
- Mulch and protect the base in winter to preserve the root system.
Feel free to consult our tutorial "Standard fuchsia: pruning and care"
Required equipment
- Clean, sharp pruning shears: allows clean, precise cuts, limiting risk of infection to the plant.
- A stake and garden ties to support and train a fuchsia on a stem.
- Methylated spirits or 70% alcohol to disinfect pruning shear before and after pruning.
Comments