When fuchsia blooms - this is a real celebration in the garden. Against the background of bright leaves, the flowers resemble a dance of ballerinas. To observe this phenomenon, the owners of this amazing plant need only follow very simple rules of care. After all, fuchsia has long been considered a domestic plant and many still are not used to seeing it in the garden, in the open ground.
Plant description
Fuchsia belongs to perennials, its genus has more than a hundred species. Previously, its popularity was not so high, but with the advent of hybrids that gained the ability to reproduce with seeds and bloom in the first year of growing, the situation has fundamentally changed. The plant has a long flowering period, which makes it possible to grow it as an annual. Fuchsia in the garden continues to be a perennial, despite the appearance of various modifications of the variety.
The plant has a fibrous root, green or reddish leaves. In shape they resemble an oval with pointed toothed edges. Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which are described in this article, cannot but conquer with its flexible branches, on which flowers on long pedicels are located.
The color scheme of flowers is represented by pink-purple shades in various colors. Sometimes in one flower several colors can be combined at the same time - it depends on the variety. The fruits of this plant are edible berries.
Hybrid fuchsia
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which are described in this article, can be represented by hybrid species. They are characterized by the formation of erect or ampelous bushes with large bright flowers. Their distinctive feature is that the cups and flower petals have a different color. In this form, there are quite a few varietal groups.
Fuchsia Trefoil
Fuchsia, cultivation and care in the garden for which have some features, can be represented by a rather rare species: three-leafed. It is a shrub up to 50 cm high, has a rhizome and is characterized by reddish-green foliage. Its inflorescences are short, formed from bright coral flowers. This variety is very hardy, therefore, suitable for successful cultivation in open ground.
The plant can be classified due to the varied color of the flowers. Fuchsia in the garden, cultivation and care (photo - above) for which are described in this article, is also represented by winter-hardy varieties. They can winter in the open ground even without special shelter.
Features of cultivation and care
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care, the propagation of which is described in this article, is generally a heat-loving plant. An exception may be only separately bred hybrids exhibiting comparative frost resistance. For its cultivation, the calm and well-lit corners of your garden may be ideal. Light shading may be beneficial.
Fuchsia in the garden may well grow in the open ground. There it can be dropped off at the beginning of May. In this case, a very important point is that the root neck should not go deep when planting. If rooting is successful, then after a couple of weeks your pet can please you with its flowering.
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which is described in this article, can grow in a pot. For this option, it is better to take a plant aged a couple of years and with a well-developed root system. In this case, the pot can be either buried or simply put in a recess.
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which have specific features in winter, should not remain for a cold period in the open ground. That is why completely transferring their root system to the soil is impractical. Roughly at the end of autumn the plant is sent to winter indoors.
Choosing a place to land
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which are described in this article, is a seasonal plant. Its flowering period falls from early spring until autumn. In order to choose the right place for your pet, you should take into account the main factors affecting her life: light, temperature and humidity. Lighting should be diffuse. This plant responds very well to moderate temperature and normal humidity.
Care Features
Fuchsia, depending on the variety, may have some particular growing characteristics, however, most often it prefers direct sunlight in the morning, but it is imperative to create an artificial shade from lunch until the evening, so that the plant does not burn. Only a few varieties like sunbathing and are able to tolerate them painlessly. These are mainly plants with bright colors.
Fuchsia in the garden, the cultivation and care of which are described in this article, requires moderate summer temperatures, which average 16-22 degrees. If the temperature regime is lower, then the plant may have a dormant period, and the buds will not form. An increase in temperature can cause the bud to drop and your pet's illness. If it is not possible to control the temperature, then the humidity level should be increased.
Fuchsia is a tropical plant, so she loves various water treatments. Spraying is very beneficial for it, especially after a hot summer day.
Soil selection
Fuchsia is not demanding on the soil, but preference is given to light and fertile soil with neutral acidity. To improve its structure, you can make a little horse peat, sand and perlite. Adding clay, which holds nutrients in the soil and prevents their leaching, will be beneficial. Adult plants are shown soil with the addition of turf, compost, humus, land with leaves, peat, etc.
The soil should keep constant moisture or strive for it. In order to comply with this condition, you do not need to wait until the top layer is completely dry, you should water the plant regularly. If watering is insufficient, then fuchsia can prematurely drop leaves and buds. However, waterlogging can lead to very negative consequences, so you should be as rational and careful as possible.
Shaping and trimming
To form a bush of fuchsia, you need to start with the cuttings. This molding plant is very plastic and responds favorably to it. The shape of the bush can be given whatever you like, it all depends on your imagination. However, it is important that a long pinch can significantly slow down flowering, so in this case it is important not to overdo it. The procedure can be continued after the first flowering of fuchsia.
As for pruning, it is best done at the end of the growing season. At this time, all flowering branches located at a height of 2 cm from sleeping buds are removed. The final molding of the crown is carried out around January.
Fuchsia ampelous in the garden: cultivation and care
Ampelic species of fuchsia are most suitable for growing them in hanging baskets. However, this does not stop some gardeners from planting them in the beds. This is a very controversial decision, which some consider the original, while others - unacceptable.
Ampoux fuchsia is very similar to conventional fuchsia in terms of choosing a growth site and care. However, she feels best in a wire basket filled with peat moss. When choosing the plant itself, it is better to give preference to those whose roots are good, but not too developed.
Fuchsia wintering directly in the garden
Contrary to popular belief, some varieties of fuchsia are able to winter in the open ground. This is Magellan fuchsia. It can be covered with spruce branches, and it will feel great under the snow. The remaining species require preparatory measures before setting off for wintering.
Before the onset of stable cold weather, fuchsia should be cut off at the soil level and sprinkled with a layer of earth at least 20 cm. After that, cover with spruce branches and provide isolation from excess moisture. The plant should be opened approximately in mid-May. After such a wintering, fuchsia blooms around August.
Gardeners also practice such a method as the annual rooting of new cuttings. The plant itself is not left in the fall.