Fuchsia Sun Needs – Tips On Fuchsia Growing Conditions

How much sun does a fuchsia need? As a general rule, fuchsias don’t appreciate a lot of bright, hot sunlight and do best with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. However, actual fuchsia sun requirements depend on a couple of factors. Read on to learn more.

Fuchsia Sunlight Requirements

Below you will find information about fuchsia sun needs based on the most common factors influencing the growth of these plants.

• Climate – Your fuchsia plants can tolerate more sunlight if you live in a climate with mild summers. On the flip side, fuchsias in a hot climate will likely do better in very light sunlight or even total shade.
• Cultivar – Not all fuchsias are created equal, and some are more sun tolerant than others. Usually, red varieties with single blossoms can withstand more sun than light colors or pastels with double blooms. ‘Papoose’ is an example of a hardy cultivar that tolerates considerable sunlight. Other hardy varieties include ‘Genii,’ ‘Hawkshead,’ and ‘Pink Fizz.’

Strategies for Growing Fuchsia in Sun

Fuchsias can tolerate more sun if their feet aren’t hot. If you don’t have a shady location, shading the pot is often the solution. This can be accomplished by surrounding the pot with petunias, geraniums, or other sun-loving plants. The type of pot is also a factor. For example, plastic is much hotter than terracotta. When it comes to fuchsia growing conditions, it’s critical that the roots don’t become bone dry, which often occurs when fuchsias are exposed to sunlight. A mature plant in a pot may need water every day and possibly twice a day in hot, dry weather. If you aren’t sure, water whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Don’t allow the soil to remain continually soggy. Now that you know more about how much sun a fuchsia can take, you’ll be better equipped to successfully grow this plant.