It’s time to prune your fuchsia, whether they are overwintering undercover or brazening out the winter in your borders.
Having said that, if you live in the north, or Scotland, or have a very cold, exposed garden, it would be safe to wait for a few more weeks before taking secateurs to your plants.
Fuchsias flower on new growth so each spring, before they stir from their winter dormancy, you need to remove the old wood to make room for the new.
I am starting with my tender fuchsias that were lifted and brought undercover last autumn. Using a pair of sharp, clean secateurs I cut them back to the lowest healthy pair of new emerging buds.
Hardy fuchsias living outside should be left alone until the weather warms up to reduce the risk of pruning wounds being damaged by the cold. Wait until late March, or even later in the north, and cut them back to a pair of healthy leaf buds 3-4in (7-10cm) above ground.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters