Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Mrs W.p. Wood'

Water

Fuchsias, including the Fuchsia 'Mrs W.p. Wood', prefer a consistently moist soil and should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, typically around twice a week. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely as this can cause stress to the plant. Provide a thorough soaking so that water reaches the entire root system. On average, you should aim for about 1 gallon of water per plant, per week during the growing season, though this may vary based on temperature and humidity conditions.

Light

Lady's eardrops, as this variety of fuchsia is commonly known, thrive in partial shade where they receive filtered sunlight. They should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, so a spot that offers morning sunlight followed by dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal. Direct and intense sunlight can scorch their leaves and flowers, so careful positioning is key for their health and flourishing.

Temperature

Lady's eardrops favor cool to moderate temperatures, thriving in a range between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F for short periods but sustained cold below this can damage or kill the plant. Maximum tolerable temperature is about 80°F, above which the plants may start to experience stress. Ideal growing conditions would avoid extremes and stay within their preferred temperature range as much as possible.

Pruning

Pruning Lady's eardrops is important to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back about a third of the plant to encourage new shoots. Regularly deadheading the spent flowers will also encourage further blooming throughout the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lady's eardrops thrive in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with high organic matter content, such as a blend of loam, peat, and perlite or sand. Ideal soil pH for lady's eardrops is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Lady's eardrops should generally be repotted every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring before the onset of the new growth season.

Humidity & Misting

Lady's eardrops prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. To maintain optimal humidity, mist the plant regularly or place it on a humidity tray.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Mrs W.p. Wood', commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, begins its life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-draining soil with plenty of warmth and indirect sunlight. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a young plant, developing a root system and foliage. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it grows leaves and stems vigorously. With adequate care, the plant reaches the flowering stage, producing vibrant, pendulous flowers that are often purple and pink, which attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small fruit with seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the Hardy Fuchsia may experience dormancy in colder seasons, to return with new growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Fuchsia 'Mrs W.p. Wood', commonly known as fuchsia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is the most popular because it is straightforward and generally yields good results. The best time to take these cuttings is late spring to early summer when the plant is growing actively. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, including several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the stem is cut just below a node. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development before being placed in a potting mix. The pot is then covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and cuttings are kept in indirect light until they root, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks.