Fuchsia 'TOM THUMB' hardy fuchsia

Fuchsias are back in fashion these days, mainly because more and more countries are testing the so-called hardy fuchsias which are aimed to live outdoors, in garden beds and borders. They are usually magellanica hybrids.

Tom Thumb is a dwarf variety with extremely profuse flowering. Its single flowers are rather fat, with carmine red tubes and sepals and deep purple corolla. They contrast beautifully with deep green background of glossy foliage. It grows small and compact, like a cushion.

Grow hardy fuchsias in full sun or partial shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. Mulching is recommended. However, in winter they should be kept away from wet snow and rain. Use an old plastic pot to put onto the plant upside down before the autumn rains come to keep the soil around the plant dry. Cover the plant with dry leaves or mulch and put the pot upside down onto the plant. Make sure it has holes for air circulation. Remove the pot in March and uncover the plant from mulch only after frosts. Cut back young plants, or trim lightly older plants.

Fuchsias are not fussy about soil pH. They need well-drained, humus-rich soil. Hardiness depends on winter protection. If done properly it can survive down to -20°C.

Last update 17-09-2009