How to Grow Hardy Fuchsias

Hardy fuchsias are commonly grown in UK gardens, and it’s no surprise – many flower from June to November and need very little care. Native to Central and South America, most hardy fuchsias survive UK winters (RHS hardiness rating H4), although some may still require protection from the harshest weather (RHS hardiness rating H3 or H2). In milder parts of the UK, hardy fuchsias can grow into a shrub up to 3m in height but in colder regions they may be damaged by frost and require cutting back to the base, from where they regrow in spring.

Hardy fuchsias typically flower from late spring to late autumn, although in milder regions it’s not unusual to see them blooming in November and December.

Like more tender fuchsias, hardy varieties evolved to be pollinated by hummingbirds, although they are still popular with UK pollinators such as honeybees and some species of bumblebee.

Hardy fuchsias are larger than tender varieties, with shrub-like, woody growth with stems thicker than 2cm, and an upright growth habit.

Grow hardy fuchsia in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot such as in front of a sunny wall. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and apply a thick mulch in autumn to protect the roots from frost. In spring, cut back frost-damaged stems or cut the whole plant back to the base if there is lots of frost damage.

Grow hardy fuchsias in a sheltered, sunny spot in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil – hardy fuchsias are hungry plants so need a good soil to support them. They work well with a variety of other plants and can be grown as part of a mixed or woodland border. Pair with large-leaved or