Spring has sprung, and even if the weather doesn't feel like it yet, we're all looking forward to warm evenings in the garden. With that in mind, it's time to start thinking about adding some colour to your garden, and what better way than with the flamboyant flowers of trailing fuchsias? These plants are made for hanging baskets, as they naturally cascade over the sides and create a stunning display. Late March is our first opportunity to plant up trailing fuchsias into baskets in the UK. Doing it this time of year will give your plants a good head start, which means earlier flowers!
Choosing Your Fuchsias:
With so many varieties to choose from (literally hundreds!), it can be tricky to make your pick. Here are some of our favourites:
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Fuchsia 'Blue Angel': With its white corolla and purple sepals, this variety brings the wow factor.
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Fuchsia 'Swingtime': Possibly one of the best-known trailing fuchsias, it offers a wonderful contrast of white sepals and a bright red corolla.
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Fuchsia 'Pink Marshmallow': This almost pure white flower contrasts beautifully against deep green foliage.
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Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes': Has a deep purple centre with a bright red outer, a real eye-catcher.
What You Need:
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A hanging basket: Choose a hanging basket that is at least 20cm in diameter; this will give you enough room for the plants to flourish.
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Compost: A good multi-purpose compost is ideal for this job.
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Slow-release fertiliser: While not essential, this really does make a difference. Fuchsias are hungry plants and can grow quite large; the better the plants are fed, the better your display will be.
Planting Your Fuchsia Basket:
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Add the compost: The first step is to add compost to your hanging basket. Top up almost all the way to the top, leaving the compost around 1cm from the top.
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Make your planting holes: In a 20cm diameter pot, I am going to plant 3 plug plants. Make 3 holes in a triangle shape, with the centre of the triangle being the centre of the pot. Make the holes just slightly larger than the plug root ball.
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Remove the plug plants from the cell: Gently remove the plug plants from the cell. Often the best way to do this is to squeeze the base of the cell; this will release the roots and allow you to lift the plant out.
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Plant your fuchsia plug plants: Now place a plug plant in each hole, making sure not to force it in but rather place the plug in. You are aiming for the top of the root ball to be level with the top of the compost. Now "tuck in" each plug plant, making sure you leave no gaps.
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Water well: Give your newly planted hanging basket a good water. We want the water to soak through, so water a little, wait for it to sink in, and repeat the process until water comes out of the base of the basket.
Aftercare for Fuchsia Hanging Baskets:
Often it is not safe in late March to put your trailing fuchsias straight outside. A windowsill, conservatory, or greenhouse is ideal. Fuchsias will not cope with frost. As soon as the risk of frost has passed, you can hang your basket up and start enjoying it.
