No, leave them alone but prune them back as growth begins next year.

There is no such thing as a true climbing Fuchsia, you will need to tie it in continually as it grows. Bamboo is quite right with when you should prune.

Too right, Waddy - under the Trade Descriptions Act, its a false description, and should be more accurately called tall fuchsia...

So glad you agree. I think it's too bad when plants are wrongly described in this way and then people buy them in good faith expecting completely different characteristics.

Hywel's latest blog shows a very tall one that is totally self supporting - never seen that before! he didn't say what variety it is.

Must take a closer look.

Had a look and as you say Stera, very tall but still not a climber in the true sense. The conifer behind also looks to be aiding a little I think.

No not climber, but I thought it was amazing that it stands up without support (I did ask him, just to make sure!)

Some do Stera. I remember visiting The Isle of Man many years ago and being amazed at the height of some their fuchsias, some as high as 12 ft or more!

Were they the small flowered ones? The sorts used for hedging can get very tall in mild climates (12 feet is impressive!) but a self supporting large flowered one like Hywel's is pretty unusual isn't it? You're probabaly right that the conifer is helping.

Some were the small flowering type, which were probably as you say the hedging, but I did see some much higher than normal they were the 12ft ones but I did see some quite tall ones with very showy blooms too although they weren't as tall.

Sounds lovely!

They were...you know I think I'd like to go back again...

Not a place i'd ever thought or visiting. If you do go please take lots of photos...

Will do, only don't hold your breath!