Q: I want to plant some fuchsias in a hanging basket to brighten up my porch. Are there any special considerations I should make to ensure they thrive?
A: With their ballerina-like flowers in a variety of colors including red, purple, pink and white, fuchsias are some of the best plants for hanging baskets. But to keep them blooming beautifully all summer long, you'll need to consider a few things in your maintenance routine.
To find out more, we spoke to some plant care experts, and below you'll find their top tips for caring for your tall, flowering shrubs, as well as their favorite varieties.
Fuchsias are a delight to people with their unique summer flowers.
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3 Tips for Caring for Fuchsias in Hanging Baskets
It is important to ensure that the planting stage of your hanging basket is done properly before proceeding with maintenance.
Follow this advice from plant care expert Kirsten Runkel of plant care app Greg and fill your basket with high-quality, well-draining potting soil. “Fuchsias love soil that's rich in organic matter, so don't be afraid to mix in some compost,” Runkel adds. “Plant your fuchsia deep enough to cover the root ball, and water thoroughly to help the roots establish.”
Tip: If you need to line your planter to keep the soil from falling out, consider coconut fiber liners from Amazon. They come in a variety of sizes and help retain moisture.
Kirsten Runkel
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Greg's Plant Expert
Kierstin Runkel is a Louisiana Certified Master Naturalist who regularly volunteers at local community gardens and non-profits to help restore important ecosystems along the Gulf Coast. She earned her Bachelor's in Environmental Biology and her Master's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and tending to her garden of over 150 varieties of ornamental plants and vegetable patches.
1. Water frequently
Hanging baskets dry out easily
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“Fuchsias planted in hanging baskets dry out quickly because they have less soil and are exposed to dry winds,” says Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts. If the soil gets too dry, these plants will stop flowering, she warns.
“During the middle of summer, they'll need to be watered daily, especially if they're in a sunny spot. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil with your finger and if the top inch feels dry, it's time to water your fuchsia,” says Kiersten.
Watering hanging baskets is a breeze with this watering wand from Green Mount on Amazon.
As Jessica points out, fuchsias need lots of fertilizer and should be fertilized regularly, so they can keep growing and blooming all season long. You can also use compost or comfrey tea for a high-quality organic option, she adds.
Jessica Mercer
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Plant Addicts' plant experts
Dr. Jessica Mercer is the Senior Content Marketing Coordinator at Plant Addicts. As a plant collector, Jessica enjoys growing a variety of plants and learning the best ways to grow them. Writing for Plant Addicts is something she really enjoys because it allows her to use her science background to research interesting plant topics.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
Tender varieties need protection from the hot sun.
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Jessica says that hardy fuchsias do best in direct sunlight, while the softer, hanging varieties (great for hanging baskets) prefer a bit more protection. For the latter, Jessica advises hanging the basket in a spot that will get morning or evening sunlight. “If you see signs of the leaves burning, move the basket into more shade.”
On the other hand, weak, spindly growth could be due to too little light, Kirsten points out, so keep an eye on it and adjust location if necessary.
Autumn Janus of Perfect Plant Nursery urges you to make sure you don't place them in a windy location, otherwise she warns that it could damage the delicate flowers.
Janus in Autumn
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Plant Experts at Perfect Plants Nursery
Autumn is a Horticulture Specialist and Marketing Professional at Perfect Plants Nursery. With four years of experience in the horticulture industry, Autumn is passionate about helping people create beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for them to enjoy. Autumn's horticultural expertise spans a wide range of activities including plant care and selection, landscape design and maintenance.
3. Deadheading and pruning
'Swing Thyme' is a vine variety with a striking appearance.
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Jessica recommends deadheading the flowers, which will help extend the flowering season. Kirsten agrees: “Pick off any spent flowers, and make sure to remove the entire flower stalk. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing more flowers rather than producing seeds.”
“For plants with long stems, you can help them grow into bushier plants by pinching off the growing tips,” Jessica adds.
Tip: Removing dead flowers is beneficial for many summer-flowering plants, but to get the best results, it's important to be familiar with common deadheading mistakes.
FAQ
Do I need to repot my hanging basket fuchsias?
You may need to repot your hanging fuchsias later in the season. Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts explains: “Fuchsias are vigorous growers, filling up hanging baskets by mid-summer. Some nurseries sell three to five plants per basket, which can get quite crowded.”
If you notice that water runs out of the pot too quickly, your plant may be root-bound and need to be repotted into a larger pot, she says. “Choose a hanging pot or container that's a few inches larger and repot your plant. If your plant is root-bound, be sure to loosen the roots before repotting.”
What Fuchsia Varieties are Good for Hanging Baskets?
Many fuchsia varieties make great climbing plants for hanging baskets, and Kirsten Runkel, plant care expert at Greg, says you can't go wrong with 'Swinging Time', which has red and white flowers.
For stunning fall foliage, try “Autumnale” fuchsia, recommended by Jessica Mercer of Plant Addicts. She says the yellow-green leaves turn purple or coppery orange by midsummer, and the traditional red flowers bloom from early summer through fall.
Horticultural expert Rebecca Sears recommends the 'Bella Maria' fuchsia variety, available at Ferry Morse, which she says is known for its graceful, drooping flowers in a beautiful mix of rose and purple hues.
If you're looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, consider 'Gartenmeister Bonnstedt.' It has bright orange tubular flowers and dark foliage. It has an upright growth but looks great planted higher up.
Rebecca Sears
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Gardening Expert by Ferry Morse
As CMO and horticulturist for the Green Garden Family of Brands, Rebecca Sears not only nurtures the company's legacy, but also develops new products and solutions to help gardeners of all skill levels ignite their passion and gardening success. Rebecca first discovered her passion while living in Portland, Oregon, where she was inspired by the city's public gardens and has gardened from coast to coast. After moving to the Northeast, she developed her knowledge and skills, and now her backyard garden is growing bigger every year.
Looking for more ways to keep your hanging baskets looking their best? You might also find our guide on how to keep petunias blooming useful.
