Fuschias

[glenbarr]

For the first year my Fuschias have hardly flowered at all. Does anyone have any idea why this should be? I am beginning to wonder if it is because I have moved from Kent to Leicestershire, perhaps they are complaining eh?

[Thunderbird+]

Hi glenbarr, I think you could be right, they could be sulking about moving north, but I have noticed some of the less hardy Fuchsias have not done quite so well this year, as they got off to a shakey start with the long cool spring we had. In time hopefully they will adjust. Tbird+

[Thunderbird+]

Ps, Tip. When the stems die back in the winter, leave them on, this will remind you where they are and also serve as a little insulation against frost. Soon as you see the new shoots appear in the spring cut them down to ground level.

[Robinia]

yep, I'd complain too glenbarr if I moved to Leics.... ;o)
- just kidding my sister lives there! (I'm in Derbys). Welcome to the Midlands - you'll soon get used to the funny accents!

I had the same problem with my fuchsias too, & yet last year they were festooned with flowers - as well as Tbird's advice give them somthing like a tomato food next year which promotes flowering.

[WendyS]

Probably the roots are sulking because they were disturbed and need to re-establish themselves. Also, we've had a really difficult growing year, climate wise.
If you can bear to leave the stalks unpruned once the first frost hits them, this will give the roots some protection. Otherwise, prune them back to soil level and mound some earth over them or cover with large flower pots anchored down with a brick.