Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Mary' (T)

Water

Lady's eardrops should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. They prefer a moderate amount of water; therefore, it's recommended to water them with about 16 ounces of water once or twice a week, depending on the climate and the season. During the hotter seasons or if you live in a warmer climate, you might need to water more frequently. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again to prevent root rot. During winter months, watering can be reduced as the plant’s growth slows down.

Light

Lady's eardrops thrive best in bright, indirect light. They should be placed where morning or late afternoon sun can gently filter through, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Avoid direct midday sunlight which can scorch the leaves. If grown outdoors, dappled shade is ideal, providing protection from the harsh rays of the sun while still receiving ample light.

Temperature

Lady's eardrops prefer a cool to moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit overnight but should not be exposed to temperatures below that. Ideal temperatures lie between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for robust growth.

Pruning

Prune lady's eardrops to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or dying flowers to encourage more blooms. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This can be done every year to keep the plants looking their best and to promote vigorous growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Mary' (T), commonly known as Lady’s Eardrops, thrives in a soil mix of loam, peat, and sand with a pH between 6 and 7. A well-draining, fertile potting mix with organic matter is ideal for these plants to flourish.

Repotting

Lady's Eardrops should be repotted annually or biennially, ideally in the spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to maintain plant health.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's Eardrops prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 70%, to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Fuchsia 'Mary', commonly called fuchsia, starts its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun exposure. Seedlings develop into young plants, producing a bushy growth of green leaves on woody stems. As it matures, the fuchsia produces distinctive teardrop-shaped buds that open into intricate, pendant flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, and white, attracting pollinators throughout the growing season. After pollination, the flowers give way to small, dark-colored fruits containing seeds for the next generation. Fuchsia 'Mary' may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates, losing its leaves and becoming less active during the winter. With proper care, including regular watering and feeding, the plant can live for several years, regrowing and reblooming each spring and summer.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Fuchsia 'Mary', commonly referred to as Lady's Eardrops, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is most successful when performed in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Propagators select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) segment just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. The pot is covered with plastic to maintain humidity and placed in bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within 3 to 4 weeks, after which the new fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.