Hardy fuchsias can stay outside all year, while more delicate types need to be brought inside or brought under cover for the winter.
People love these pretty plants because they have cute, dangling bell-shaped flowers that can stay in bloom all summer and come in many colors.
They mostly come from South and Central America. 
It’s interesting that the flowers and berries can also be eaten, so these plants could be useful and productive as well as pretty.
It’s possible to grow fuchsias in the ground or in containers, but the latter is better for tender types.
Some people may wonder if they can use certain types of containers or if they can grow fuchsias in hanging baskets.
Some types of fuchsias do better in hanging baskets than others, but all of them can be grown in this type of container.
These plants can be used in a lot of different ways. Different types have very different growth habits and can be very different sizes and widths.
If you grow fuchsias in hanging baskets, you can use their long-lasting flower displays to make a wall or fence look better.
Hung baskets and other containers that hang from the ceiling can help you think vertically and make the most of every inch of space.
It can be especially helpful to use hanging baskets and other vertical gardening techniques when space is limited, like in small gardens or growing areas that are covered, like polytunnels or greenhouses.
Putting fuchsias in hanging baskets can make any garden look better and really stand out during the summer.
With their delicate, dancing blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, fuchsias are a gorgeous addition to any garden. These free-flowering plants are particularly eye-catching when allowed to cascade gracefully from hanging baskets Properly caring for fuchsias in hanging baskets will keep them blooming beautifully all season long.
Choosing the Right Basket and Location
Select a basket that is 12-14 inches wide and at least 8 inches deep to provide enough room for fuchsia’s trailing growth. Make sure the basket has several drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. The best location is one that receives 4-6 hours of bright, filtered sunlight daily. Early morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. Avoid intense midday sun which can scorch delicate flowers and leaves. Fuchsias also flourish in dappled sunlight under trees.
Using a Fast-Draining Potting Mix
Fuchsias need a fertile, fast-draining soil. For hanging baskets, use a quality potting mix blended for containers. You can make your own by combining equal parts peat moss, compost, and perlite. The perlite improves drainage to keep roots from sitting in wet soil. Before planting, fill the basket about halfway with moistened soil.
Planting the Basket
Carefully remove fuchsia plants from their nursery pots, gently loosen tangled roots, and place into the prepared basket. Plant them about 8 inches apart for a lush, full look. Add more moistened potting mix around the roots and fill the container nearly to the top. Water thoroughly after planting until it drains from the bottom.
Caring for Fuchsias in Summer
Fuchsias thrive with warm days and cooler nights during the growing season. Ideal daytime temperatures are 65-75°F and evenings around 50-60°F. Once nights become hotter than 75°F, flowers may not form well. Here are tips for summer care:
-
Water 1-2 times daily in hot weather so the soil stays moist but not soggy. Let the basket dry slightly between waterings.
-
Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in water per directions
-
Prune back long, leggy growth and deadhead spent blooms to promote flowering.
-
Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and other common pests. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control.
-
Move basket to a shadier spot if leaves appear pale or scorched from too much direct sun.
Overwintering Fuchsias
Fuchsias are tender perennials hardy only to Zone 9. In cooler zones, they can be overwintered indoors and used as seasonal plants. Here are some overwintering tips:
-
Prune plants by about a third and move the basket to an unheated garage or cellar before fall frosts arrive.
-
Reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks. The goal is to rest the plant, not actively grow it.
-
Resume normal watering in early spring and move back outside after danger of frost has passed.
-
Repot in fresh soil if roots have filled the basket. This rejuvenates the plant for a new growing season.
Propagating New Plants from Cuttings
Take 4-6 inch stem tip cuttings from healthy plants in early summer. Remove the lower leaves and place in moist potting mix. Enclose in a clear plastic bag to retain humidity. Rooting hormone can speed development. New roots and growth should emerge in 4-6 weeks. Transplant into pots once well established.
Common Problems with Fuchsias
-
Drooping leaves or buds that fail to open indicate plants are too dry. Check soil and water more frequently if needed.
-
Brown leaf edges or yellowing foliage generally mean too much fertilizer. Flush soil and resume feeding at a weaker strength.
-
Leaves dropping off may be from cold drafts or temperatures. Move basket to a more protected area.
-
Small flies or aphids on leaves can be controlled with horticultural oil sprays every 5-7 days until pests are gone.
Enjoying Fuchsias at Their Best
With a little care and attention, fuchsias in hanging baskets will thrive and delight you all season with prolifically blooming flowers. Follow these tips and enjoy their distinctive blossoms dangling delicately from your baskets. Fuchsias are a wonderful way to add vibrant color and whimsical charm to gardens, patios, and other outdoor living areas.
Plant Up In Springtime
Fuchsias are typically planted into hanging baskets where they are to grow in April or May.
If you put fuchsias in hanging baskets, they look great by themselves or with other flowering plants that do well in summer containers.
Hang fuchsias from the ceiling and make sure they sit at the same level in the growing medium as they did in their old pots.
Water them in well after planting.
Select Varieties With A Trailing Habit
When picking which Fuchsias to grow in a hanging basket, the first thing you should do is decide if you want to grow a hardy variety that will stay in your garden for years or a more delicate variety.
If you choose the second option, you will also have to choose whether to bring your tender fuchsia inside for the winter and where to do so.
You can grow tender fuchsias as annuals and throw them away at the end of the summer if you don’t want to overwinter them.
According to Gail Barber from the Sutton Coldfield Fuchsia Society and Gardening Guild, many types of fuchsia grow in beautiful pendulous shapes. “I try to find as many places as I can for hanging baskets and pots,” she says.
There are also wall baskets on the garden fence that add color and interest to the side of the house. ”.
As Gail says, the best fuchsias to grow in hanging baskets are the ones that trail off.
Some fuchsias trail, some are climbers, while others have a more upright, bushy form.
So, you will need to know not only if the fuchsias you are looking at are hardy or tender, but also how they grow and what shape they have.
Some Fuchsia varieties that work well for hanging baskets include:
- ‘Bella Evita’
- ‘Eruption’
- ‘Swingtime’
Caring for Fuchsia Hanging Basket – QG Day 78
FAQ
How do you keep fuchsias blooming?
How often do you water a fuchsia hanging basket?
How do you prune a hanging basket fuchsia?