Overwintering fuchsias

Overwintering fuchsias

1. 01

   When to bring fuchsias in

   Tender fuchsias in pots and window boxes can stay out until nights approach 0 °C (32 °F), then come in before the first frost. Standard (tree) fuchsias always need winter protection.

2. 02

   Hardy garden fuchsias

   Fuchsia magellanica is a hardy fuchsia (RHS H4, about −10 to −5 °C / 14⁠–⁠23 °F). Planted out, it survives an average winter: give it a thick mulch over the roots in late autumn and cut off the frosted stems in mid to late April. In a pot, move it to a sheltered or frost-free spot in hard frost.

3. 03

   Bright or a dark basement?

   The safest spot is bright and cool at 4 to 8 °C (39⁠–⁠46 °F), such as a bright unheated room or stairwell.

   A cool dark basement also works if it stays below about 8 °C (46 °F). The darker the spot, the cooler it needs to be. In the dark they drop their leaves, which is normal.

4. 04

   Watering and feeding in winter

   Don’t let the root ball dry out, but don’t keep it wet either. In a cool dark basement a little water every three to four weeks is often enough. In a brighter spot, water a bit more often.

   Start feeding again when new shoots appear in spring.

5. 05

   Pests in winter quarters

   Watch for whitefly and spider mites, especially in brighter, warmer spots.

6. 06

   Pruning before and after winter

   Cut the stems back by about two thirds when you bring them in. In March, prune again to a good framework, water well and move them somewhere brighter and a little warmer.

7. 07

   When they can go back outside

   Once frost is over, usually from mid May, starting with a few days in a shady, sheltered spot.

8. 08

   Common mistakes

   Dark and too warm: the darker the spot, the cooler it must be, at most about 8 °C (46 °F) in a dark basement.

   Letting the root ball dry out: even without leaves the plant needs an occasional drink.

   Digging up hardy fuchsias: hardy varieties in a bed only need mulch.

Common questions