Among the most popular flowering plants are the vibrant, pendulous-flowered fuchsias with a long flowering period. These versatile plants occur in two main growth forms: trailing and upright. Whether they cascade from hanging baskets or provide garden beds with height, these plants offer a vast variety of options for the gardener. This article reviews common types of trailing and upright fuchsias, detailing some of their unique features, care requirements, and popular cultivars.

An Overview of Fuchsia Plants

Fuchsias belong to the Onagraceae family and are indigenous to Central and South America, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Fuchsias have beautiful, teardrop-shaped flowers with great contrasts in pink, purple, red, and white. Two-tone color schemes and complex petal structures characterize them and make them excellent choices for any garden.

These plants are divided into two types based on growth habits:

1. Trailing Fuchsias:

The classic growing style of trailing fuchsias works really well for hanging baskets, window boxes, or any other type of container in which their cascading habit shines.

2. Upright Fuchsias:

Ideal for garden beds, borders, or as centerpiece plants in larger containers.

Trailing Fuchsias

Trailing fuchsias make spectacular presentations as they cascade from sprawling stems. They are especially effective when used in vertical planters. These plants thrive as a way to infuse color into patios, balconies, and decks.

Key Characteristics

1. Growth Habit: Cascading stems that spill over the edges of containers or hanging baskets.
2. Flowers: Masses of blooms in a variety of colour combinations.
3. Size: Generally smaller than upright varieties, and therefore more manageable in small spaces.

Popular Trailing Fuchsia Varieties

‘Swingtime’:

1. Flowers: Large, double blooms with white sepals and a bright red corolla.
2. Growth: Vigorous and reliable, creating a full, cascading effect.
3. Best For: Hanging baskets and window boxes.

‘Blush of Dawn’:

1. Flowers: Delicate pink and purple blooms.
2. Growth: Productive, with dense foliage and flowers.
3. Special Features: Long flowering season.

‘Marinka’:

1. Flowers: Single, bright red blooms.
2. Growth: Trailing stems, excellent coverage.
3. Best Suited For: Areas that need bright, showy colour.

‘Dark Eyes’:

1. Flowers: Double blooms, bright red sepals and deep purple corolla.
2. Growth: Dense, vigorous, with striking bold flowers.
3. Perfect For: Adding depth and contrast to garden displays.

Care Tips for Trailing Fuchsias

1. Light: Prefer partial to full shade, avoiding direct midday sun.
2. Watering: Soil should be consistently moist but well-draining. Do not waterlog.
3. Fertilizing: Balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks in the growing season.
4. Pruning: Remove spent blooms and leggy growth regularly to promote continuous flowering.

Upright Fuchsias

Upright fuchsias are strong plants with stiff stems, so they are suitable for garden beds, mixed borders, or as specimens. Their upright habit also makes it easy to incorporate them into formal or informal garden designs.

Key Characteristics

1. Growth Habit: Strong, upright growth with bushy foliage.
2. Flowers: Large, showy blooms held above the foliage.
3. Size: Taller than trailing varieties, often reaching up to 3 feet in height.

Popular Upright Fuchsia Varieties

‘Beacon’:

1. Flowers: Single blooms with scarlet sepals and a violet corolla.
2. Growth: Compact and upright.
3. Ideal Use: Edging pathways or creating low hedges.

‘Dollar Princess’:

1. Flowers: Double blooms with bright red sepals and purple petals.
2. Growth: Bushy and compact.
3. Perfect For: Small gardens or container planting.

‘Mrs. Popple’:

1. Flowers: Solitary, brilliant red and purple.
2. Growth: Vigorous and upright. Often used as a specimen.
3. Special Features: Long blooming season and low maintenance.

‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’:

1. Flowers: Tubular, coral-red.
2. Growth: Upright with stems that arch slightly.
3. Unique Quality: Tolerates full sun better than most fuchsias.

Up-Rights Fuchsias

1. Light: Partially shaded to dappled light. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight.
2. Watering: Deep watering. Allow soil to become somewhat dry between waterings.
3. Fertilizing: Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage blooming.
4. Pruning: Trim back in early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Choosing the Right Fuchsia for Your Garden

When selecting a fuchsia variety, consider the following factors:

1. Growing Space: Trailing fuchsias are ideal for vertical spaces, while upright varieties suit ground planting or large pots.
2. Climate: Fuchsias do best in cool-summer mild, temperate climates. There are heat-tolerant varieties, like ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’.
3. Design Goals: If you’re looking for a dramatic cascade of color, use trailing types. For structure and height, upright types will give it to you.

General Care for All Fuchsias

Irrespective of variety, fuchsias do best if you give them some general care: all these are based on simple principles

1. Soil: Nutrient-rich soil that is well-draining, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
2. Water: Moisture is essential, but do not waterlog as this can cause root rot.
3. Temperature: Avoid extreme heat or frost. In colder climates, overwinter fuchsias indoors or mulch heavily around the base.
4. Pests and Diseases: Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are common pests. Regular inspection and organic pest control methods will keep problems under control.

Overwintering Fuchsias

In cooler regions, fuchsias are commonly used as annuals, although most varieties can be overwintered successfully:

1. Trailing Fuchsias: Bring inside and put in a cool, frost-free spot. Water minimally.
2. Upright Fuchsias: Cut back to about 6 inches and mulch heavily or keep potted plants indoors.

Conclusion

With the dramatic flower and varied habit of growth, fuchsias present limitless opportunities for the gardener. Whether it’s a romantic cascading beauty or the structured elegance of an upright type, there is sure to be a fuchsia to fit any style. Provided with proper care and some thoughtful selection, these wonderful plants will reward you with season-long vibrancy and charm.

By understanding their unique needs and choosing the right variety for your space, you can enjoy the unparalleled beauty of fuchsias in your garden, container, or hanging basket.