FAQs

Fuchsias are prized for their striking, pendulous flowers and long blooming season. With proper care, they’ll thrive in hanging baskets, containers, or shaded garden beds.

1. Do fuchsias grow in cold areas? 
   Most are frost-tender. In colder climates (below -2℃), overwinter indoors or in a frost-free greenhouse.
   
   
2. Do fuchsias like lots of water?
   It depends on a few factors, laid out in the table below.
   
   

   Plant type	Hardy fuchsias (those that can survive winter outdoors) generally need less frequent watering than tender fuchsias (those that need to be brought indoors for winter).
   Pot size and material	Plants in smaller pots and those in porous materials, such as terracotta, will dry out faster than those in larger pots or non-porous containers.
   Location	Fuchsias in full sun or exposed to wind will need more frequent watering than those in shade or sheltered areas.
   Season	During hot, dry weather, fuchsias require more frequent watering, potentially daily, whereas in cooler, wetter weather, watering may be less frequent.

   
   

   General watering guidelines: 
   - Check the soil moisture: Use your finger to feel the top inch or two of soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. 
   - Water thoroughly: When you water, make sure the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots get enough moisture. 
   - Avoid overwatering: Don't let the pot sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
   - Morning watering is best: This allows the plant to dry off before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. 
   - Be mindful of hanging baskets: Hanging baskets tend to dry out quickly, so they may need daily watering, especially in hot weather. 

   
   
3. Are fuchsias drought-resistant?
   No, they are not drought-resistant. Fuchsias prefer moist soil.
   
   
4. Do they prefer sun or shade?
   They are shade-loving. There are a handful that can take sun - see our Sun Fuchsia collection.
   
   
5. What type of soil do they need?
   A moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
   
   
6. Do they grow in pots?
   Yes, most varieties do well in pots.
   
   
7. Do they need fertiliser?
   Fuchsias benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser, particularly during their active growth period. Slow-release fertilisers are ideal for outdoor beds, while liquid feeds are better suited for hanging baskets and containers. The plants can be fed every 2 - 3 weeks when using a liquid fertiliser. Slow-release fertilisers can be applied every 2nd or 3rd month, depending on rainfall.
   
   
8. Do fuchsias need to be pruned every year?
   Yes. Prune in early spring to remove old or leggy growth. You can also pinch your fuchsia during the growing period to promote bushiness.
   
   
9. Do different types need different attention?
   Yes. Bush variety fuchsias perform better with more attention and pinching, while trailing and climbing fuchsias are better left alone until late winter.
   
   
10. When is the best time of year to plant fuchsias?
    Early spring
    
    
11. Which are the most popular?
    Mrs Popple, Dollar Princess, Pixie - all hardy, all beautiful, all floriferous.
    
    
12. Best things to plant with fuchsias?
    Some options include begonias, impatiens, hostas, ferns, and coleus.
    
    
13. Should I re-pot my fuchsia?
    Fuchsias can be kept in the same pot for many years, provided that they are well fed and maintained. During this time, they will need a top-up of soil.
    If you re-pot your fuchsias into new or bigger pots, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Tanglewood Nursery makes a great potting mix!
    
    
14. Can I plant fuchsias directly in the garden?
    Absolutely! Be sure to select the correct location based on the size of your fuchsia and its light requirement. Fuchsias also do well in pots and hanging baskets. Some varieties do better in the ground than others.
    
    
15. How much sun do fuchsias need?
    - Little direct sunlight is preferable.
    - Morning sun and late afternoon sun are acceptable.
    - Too much sun can cause leaf scorch, especially in hotter climates.
    
    
16. Can they grow in full shade?
    They tolerate partial to full shade but may flower less vigorously.
    
    
17. How can I tell if my plant is overwatered?
    Yellowing leaves, root rot, and leaf drop may indicate excess water or poor drainage.
    
    
18. How do I encourage more blooms?
    - Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages continuous blooming.
    - Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season.
    
    
19. What pests and pathogens affect fuchsias?
    - Whitefly
    - Aphids
    - Spider mites
    - Fuchsia Gall Mite (in warmer climates)
    - Mealie bug
    - Scale
    - Mould
    - Mildew
    - Rust
    
    
20. How can I manage pests and pathogens?
    Use organic or chemical insecticides to control pests, such as neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Maintain good air circulation and consider using fungicides to reduce the risk of or control plant pathogens.
    
    
21. The leaves on my fuchsias have gone yellow. What could the cause be?
    The most common cause could be improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, or sun exposure.
    
    
22. All the leaves have fallen off. What could the cause be?
    Leaf drop is normally a sign of stress. Review the overall environment  and care of the plant.
    
    
23. My fuchsia is not flowering. What have I done wrong?
    Poor flowering is usually a sign of low nutrients. We recommend a regular feeding program with a fertiliser that is higher in potassium to start with, and then moving to a balanced fertiliser.
    
    
24. Should I remove the old flowers?
    Yes, the plant will benefit from deadheading.
    
    
25. There are seeds/fruit on my fuchsia. Is this normal?
    Yes, they produce berries that are, in fact, edible.
    
    

    Best Practices For Success

    Task	Frequency	Notes
    Watering	3- 5 x per week (daily in heat)	Keep soil moist but not saturated
    Feeding	Every 2–3 weeks	Use a balanced fertiliser or bloom booster
    Deadheading	Weekly	Boosts flowering
    Pinching	Weekly during the growing period	Improves overall shape and boosts flowering
    Pruning	Early spring	Controls shape and growth
    Pest Check	Weekly	Early detection = easier control

    
    
26. How are fuchsias packaged for shipping?
    Fuchsias are shipped as potted plants. Each plant is securely wrapped to avoid soil spillage and reduce stress on the plant. Plants are packaged early in the morning while it’s still cool, using bubble wrap and boxes.
    
    
27. What should I do when my fuchsias arrive?
    - Unpack immediately and inspect for any damage.
    - Water gently if the soil feels dry.
    - Allow them to recover in a shaded, well-ventilated area for a few hours before planting.
    
    
28. Do you give discounts to landscapers and bulk orders?
    No, not via the online store. You are welcome to contact the nursery directly for these kinds of queries (tanglewoodnursery@gmail.com). 
    
    
29. Can I put a fuchsia indoors?
    No. Although fuchsias can be enjoyed periodically indoors when in full bloom, the plants require a well-ventilated, well-lit area to thrive.
    
    
30. How long do fuchsias live?
    Fuchsias are long-lived, hardy perennials that can last for many years if grown in the right conditions. The oldest one at Tanglewood Nursery is 35 years old.
    
    
31. How many varieties of fuchsia are there?
    There are approximately 110 known fuchsia species, but there are over 5000 cultivated varieties (cultivars). Through hybridisation and cross-breeding, a wide array of forms, flower colour, sizes, and growth habits has been developed.