Fuchsia Magellanica
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Fuchsia Magellanica
- From: M* C*
- Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001 21:57:01 -0500
Hi, Bobbi. I have three cultivars growing here in SW Michigan. I have
them planted right at the foundation, where the conditions are closer to Z7
than Z5. None achieve more than 18" height, even though 8' is possible
with this species in a warmer clime. They will get all the way to 18" if I
wake them up early by placing a glass 'tent' over them in April; otherwise,
I might not see new growth until early June. Blooming is in late summer,
regardless. Don't cut off the dead top growth in autumn. I don't remember
the reason for that, but I was advised so by someone on another list, who
said that in areas where the fuchsias were marginal, cutting them back in
fall would kill them. I did it anyway, and my plants did indeed die. Now,
I mulch the plants and leave the dead stems intact all winter; I prune them
away when new growth begins.
They need a little shade in midsummer, when temperatures go up over 90F.
Exposure to the sun's heat at such times will sometimes kill and at least
set back the plant. Again, I learned that through experience.
Sheila Smith
mikecook@pipeline.com
Niles, MI USA, Z 5/6
