Content
- Protect fuchsias from frost
- Fuchsias are not frost resistant
- Winter hardy fuchsias
- Frost protection for fuchsias - How are fuchsias properly wintered?
- Late frost in spring is particularly dangerous
- Tips
Winter hardy fuchsias should also be supplemented e.g. to be protected with mulch
Protect fuchsias from frost
The exotic fuchsias mostly come from the South American Andes, where they grow on the edge of the rainforests at altitudes of up to 3000 meters. Some species are also 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. In particular, frost causes the sensitive plants.
Fuchsias are not frost resistant
Fuchsias have no natural antifreeze, so their leaves burst at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (the point where water freezes) and die off. In this case, a short-term, not too deep night frost - depending on the species and variety - can be fatal to the plant, provided that it is accompanied by wind and low humidity. Dry cold is dangerous with fuchsias not only for young plants, but also for old, woody specimens.
Winter hardy fuchsias
The fuchsias offered as hardy in this country are also not really frost-resistant and at best winter-proof in mild regions. In the case of these plants, the aerial parts of the plants, like many perennials, freeze, but usually they reliably release again in the spring. Winter hardy fuchsias are not suitable for a container culture, but should always be provided with a winter shelter when hibernating.
Frost protection for fuchsias - How are fuchsias properly wintered?
Fuchsias should only be frost-free, but overwinter under cool cold conditions. The temperatures are kept constant at about eight to ten degrees Celsius; but whether you overwinter your fuchsias light or dark, in principle does not matter. The plants throw off their leaves in the fall and can therefore also winter in the dark cellar or in the attic. Despite the sensitivity of the plants, the rule is to give fuchsia as late as necessary and clear it up as soon as possible.
Late frost in spring is particularly dangerous
In principle, you can put the fuchsias out in the open air in early April to mid-April, but you must be aware of potential night frosts. If a frost in late autumn - especially if it is accompanied by moisture or snow - is usually not dramatic, a late frost in spring brings the plant quickly to die off. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and let the fuchsias into the house overnight.
Tips
Winter-hardy fuchsias can be sprayed with threatening balding frosts with the help of a spray bottle all around with a fine mist of water. This quickly forms a layer of ice that protects the plant from frost.