Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Beacon'

Water

The Fuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, prefers consistently moist soil, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about twice a week. During hotter spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture. Slowly water at the base of the plant until the water begins to runoff, which could be around half a gallon for a medium-sized container plant every week. Adjust the amount based on temperature and rainfall, with less water needed during cool, rainy periods and potentially more during dry, hot weeks. Avoid splashing the leaves to prevent disease.

Light

Lady's Eardrops flourish in bright, indirect light with some shade during the hottest part of the day. They are best positioned in a spot where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the intense afternoon sun. Dappled light conditions under trees or a partial shade structure makes an ideal location for these plants.

Temperature

Lady's Eardrops thrive in cooler temperatures and should be kept between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods outside this range but prefer not to be exposed to temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit or under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature is within the 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range, which promotes healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune Lady's Eardrops to encourage bushier growth, remove dead or damaged stems, and promote better air circulation within the plant. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune up to one-third of the plant's height, cutting just above a set of leaves to promote branching. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to shape the plant and remove spent flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Beacon', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, thrives in a well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range of 6 to 7. A mix of peat, compost, and perlite or sand can create an ideal growing medium for these plants, providing both moisture retention and proper drainage.

Repotting

Hardy fuchsia should generally be repotted every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. This helps to refresh the soil, prevent overcrowding, and encourage healthier growth.

Humidity & Misting

Hardy fuchsia flourishes in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent disease, but avoid overly dry conditions to keep the plant thriving.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep hardy fuchsia in bright, indirect light indoors, and maintain moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant hardy fuchsia in partial shade, shelter from wind, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  6-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Beacon', commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in a moist, well-draining growing medium after a period of cold stratification that mimics winter conditions. Seedlings emerge with their first set of true leaves and with proper care, gradually develop into young plants. As they mature, Hardy Fuchsias produce distinctive pendulous flowers throughout the summer, which are pollinated by hummingbirds and insects, leading to the formation of small, dark-purple fruits. Following the flowering stage, if conditions permit, the plant may enter a period of dormancy in cooler climates, where it loses its leaves and conserves energy until the following spring. With the return of warmer temperatures, Hardy Fuchsia resumes growth, sprouting new shoots from the base or from surviving wood. This perennial shrub can live and continue this cycle for many years with proper care, pruning, and protection from severe winters.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Fuchsia 'Beacon', often simply referred to as Fuchsia, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when the growth of the plant is tender and green. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, featuring a few leaves, and the lower leaves must be removed. The cut end is usually dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a moist potting mix, which should be kept evenly damp but not waterlogged. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a warm, shaded area can create a greenhouse effect, maintaining high humidity around the cuttings. It generally takes about three to four weeks for cuttings to root sufficiently and begin new growth.