Time To Trim Your Fuchsias

Ruth starts to prune her fuchsias ready for summer…

- Ruth Hayes

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.