Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' (E)

Water

The Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby', commonly known as hardy fuchsia, should be watered deeply and thoroughly, with the goal of keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, hardy fuchsia typically requires watering once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions, with an average of 1 to 2 gallons per week for an established plant. Adjust watering frequency based on rainfall, temperature, and humidity, ensuring that the top inch of soil dries out before watering again. Overwintering plants require less water, so reduce watering in the fall and winter months.

Light

Hardy fuchsia thrives in partial shade or filtered sunlight, which provides protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The best spot for the plant would be one where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. Avoid exposing the plant to direct, strong sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as this can lead to scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Hardy fuchsia prefers a temperate climate and does well in temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for outdoor growing in milder climates. The ideal temperature conditions for hardy fuchsia are cool nights and mild daytime temperatures, which encourage prolific blooming.

Pruning

Prune hardy fuchsia in the spring to maintain plant shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance flower production. Remove dead or damaged wood and cut back the previous year's growth to one or two buds from the main framework of the plant. Pruning should be done annually, and the best time for this task is when new growth begins to emerge and the threat of frost has passed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' thrives in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for this variety is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Fuchsias like 'Lottie Hobby' should typically be repotted once a year, ideally in the spring. If the plant shows signs of being root-bound or the soil looks exhausted, it's time to repot. Use a slightly larger pot to allow room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' prefers a high humidity level, usually around 60-70%. To maintain these conditions, misting the plant regularly or placing it on a pebble tray can help replicate its preferred moist atmosphere.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Hang Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' in dappled light; protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby', commonly known as just Fuchsia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, fertile soil with adequate warmth and light. As it sprouts, the seedling emerges, establishing roots and a small set of leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage. During this stage, which can take several weeks to months, it develops a larger root system, stems, and larger leaves, forming a small bush. Upon reaching maturity, the Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby' produces distinctive pendulous flowers, typically in summer, characterized by their vivid colors and unique shape, attracting pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small fruit which contains seeds that, when dispersed, can lead to new plants, completing the life cycle. Following fruiting, and depending on the climate, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler regions, before resuming growth in the next season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Fuchsia 'Lottie Hobby', also known as Lady's Eardrops, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. To propagate, cut a 3 to 5-inch length of stem just below a leaf node, making sure the cutting has at least two sets of leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves to expose the nodes, as this is where roots will develop. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth, then insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite. Water well and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture and create a mini greenhouse effect. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light and keep the medium consistently moist. Roots typically develop in 4 to 6 weeks. Once established with a good root system, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots and cared for like mature fuchsias.