Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes' (d)

Water

For Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes', commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia or Lady's Eardrops, it's important to maintain consistently moist soil. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once or twice a week, depending on environmental conditions. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant and lead to wilting. When watering, use enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. In hot weather, check the soil moisture more frequently, as evaporation can dry out the soil quicker. For potted plants, this might be around 16-32 ounces of water per week, but outdoor garden plants will require more, potentially up to 1-2 gallons depending on size and climate conditions.

Light

Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes' thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight. It prefers bright conditions without being exposed directly to harsh midday sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. The ideal spot for the plant would be one where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. East or north-facing spots, especially in hotter climates, are best for providing these light conditions.

Temperature

Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes' prefers a temperate climate and does not tolerate extreme heat well. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F but should be protected from frost. Conversely, temperatures above 80°F can stress the plant and should be avoided if possible.

Pruning

Pruning Hardy Fuchsia is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged wood and shortening long branches. Pruning can be done again lightly after the first bloom period to stimulate a second flush of flowers. It's also beneficial to deadhead spent blooms throughout the flowering season to promote continued blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of peat moss, loam, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Fuchsias, including the 'Dark Eyes' variety, should be repotted annually in the spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%, to maintain healthy growth and lush foliage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Hang in partial shade, shelter from wind, and keep soil moist.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes', commonly known as Fuchsia, begins with seed germination, where a consistent moist and warm environment induces the emergence of radicles and plumules. This is followed by the seedling stage, during which the young Fuchsia develops true leaves and a root system capable of sustaining further growth. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Fuchsia experiences rapid growth, producing characteristic green foliage and begins to form a woody structure. The plant then reaches the flowering stage, typically in spring or summer, displaying its pendulous, two-toned blooms with a deep purple corolla and red sepals appealing to pollinators. After pollination, the Fuchsia produces small, oval-shaped fruit containing seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. In colder climates, the Fuchsia enters a period of dormancy during the winter, reducing its metabolic activity until favorable conditions for growth return.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Fuchsia 'Dark Eyes', commonly referred to as the fuchsia, is most successfully propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings to propagate fuchsia is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing and the stems are green and flexible. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem, cut a length of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), and make sure the cutting has a few leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a moist potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks. It's important to maintain the moisture of the potting mix without making it waterlogged. After roots have established, the new fuchsia plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden to continue its growth.