- Fuchsias are not frost hardy
- Frost protection for fuchsias - How are fuchsias properly overwintered?
The exotic fuchsias mostly come from the South American Andes, where they grow on the edge of the rainforest at altitudes of up to 3000 meters. Some species can also be found in Haiti or in Australia and New Zealand - but no matter where your fuchsia species comes from, it is not made for Central European winters. Frost in particular causes problems for the sensitive plants.
Hardy fuchsias should also be protected with mulch, for example
Fuchsias are not frost hardy
Fuchsias have no natural frost protection, so their leaves will burst and die at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (the point at which water freezes). Depending on the type and variety, even a short-term night frost that is not too deep can be deadly for the plant if it is accompanied by wind and low humidity. With fuchsias, dry cold is dangerous not only for young plants, but also for old, woody specimens.
Hardy fuchsias
The fuchsias that are offered as winter-hardy in this country are also not really frost-resistant and at best winter-hardy in mild regions. As with many perennials, the above-ground parts of these plants freeze off, but usually sprout again reliably in the spring. Hardy fuchsias are not suitable for pot culture, but should always be provided with adequate winter protection when overwintering.
Frost protection for fuchsias - How are fuchsias properly overwintered?
Fuchsias should only overwinter frost-free, but under cool cold house conditions. The temperatures must be kept constant at around eight to ten degrees Celsius; but whether you overwinter your fuchsias in a light or dark place doesn't really matter. The plants shed their leaves in autumn and can therefore overwinter in the dark basement or in the attic. Despite the sensitivity of the plants, the rule is to add fuchsias as late as necessary and remove them as early as possible.
Late frosts in spring are particularly dangerous
In principle, you can put the fuchsias outside in early to mid-April, weather permitting, but you have to watch out for potential night frosts. If a frost in late autumn - especially if it is accompanied by moisture or even snow - is usually not particularly dramatic, a late frost in spring will quickly kill the plant. Therefore, keep a close eye on the weather forecast and put the fuchsias in the house overnight.
tips
You can spray hardy fuchsias all over with a fine mist of water using a spray bottle if there is a threat of frost. This quickly forms a layer of ice that protects the plant from frost.