Total Beginner - Bush Fuchsia Tinny

Hi,

I`ve moved into a property where the front garden was completely overgrown with weeds. So i`ve removed them all, turned over the soil, and planted a couple of these Bush Fuchsia`s that i bought in little pots at the supermarket.

They are around 12-18 inches tall and have a lot of leaves and a number of buds, with the odd ones flowering (pink outside with white inside). I`ve planted them in the garden soil as-is mixed with a little general purpose compost - is this the correct thing to do?

Should i be pruning these things back until they take to the soil? Is there anything i should look out for or consider?

I`m absolutely new to planting so would really appreciate any advice, don`t want to be reckless about things and killing plants because of my lack of knowledge.

Thanks,

Dave,Scotland.UK

I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination. As long as you followed the planting instructions you have done all you need to for now. No pruning the plant has sufficient roots to support the growth or in most cases it would not have grown to current size. No fertilizer at this point, could burn roots as they are all in one little bunch at this point. Water as needed, check soil at root ball to soil line (this was edge of the hole), if moist good keep it that way. If dry water more, if wet (soggy) water less. Those little roots have to have air as well or they drown. Some leaf wilt and or drop is normal so is a slowing or halting of the blooming. Transplant shock is where the plant must become used to the enviornment it is currently in. It is completely normal. Keep any eye out for pests (creepy crawley and furry as well) treat as needed. The treatment will be based on pest. You can do DG search or a web search for specifc plant name and growing it or caring for it. I have had very good luck finding vital information that way. Primarily what diseases and pests a plant may be suseptible to and how to remedy the problem or even prevent. Good growing and welcome to DG. The experts will be along shortly and correct any mis information I may have given.

Thanks for the advice gcorrier!

Even general advice is a good start for me, just some guidlines like i say about what to look out for, what to avoid etc..

Thanks for the welcome too.

Hello, Dave2009 - welcome! I cannot give you any specific advice on fuchsias since every one I add to my garden commits suicide as soon as our Texas summer gets underway....

As for general gardening advice, Gcorrier has covered that quite well - fuschias love consistent moisture and - at least here in my region - require shade. I'm hoping someone from a region with climate similar to yours will chime in with some specific advice for you.

The only thing I can add at this point is this: I'm so pleased you are here at Dave's Garden and that you want to get started with gardening - it's such a rewarding endeavor. Everyone here is happy to help you in any way possible, so if those beautiful fuschias don't do well for you for any reason, please take that as a challenge and move on to some of the million other lovely plants that will thrive for you. (We're cheering for the fuschias, though). Happy Gardening! Anne

I have one additional question - have you added mulch to the top of the new garden area? It will help keep the soil underneath moist and will reduce the number of weeds that will try to pop back up on you.

Hi Anne,

I was thinking about some kind of mulch. But as it is early days for me i`m still looking into it. Maybe some kindof barky stuff that looks good as well as preserve the soil?

Thanks a bunch for the kind words!

There are many favorite mulches - I think we can all agree that almost any type of biodegradable mulch is good - use whatever is affordable and easy to obtain. Don't worry as much about how it looks as how it performs, so plan on getting something that you can apply at least 3 inches thick and more if possible. Your back will thank you when weeding season is in full swing.