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Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom Gb

Fuchsias and the mild winter.
I have always cut them down to the ground as soon as the new shoots show at the base in Spring. This year they are coming into leaf already. If they are not knocked back by the frost should they still be cut back, and if so when?
If they are not cut back and are allowed to grow older woody stems which are then frosted another winter are they less likely to grow again from the base?




Answers

 

I suppose it depends on the variety? I have an unknown fuchsia given to me by my Spanish neighbour which was severely frosted last Winter and the Winter before, but grew new shoots - not from the woody stems, but from the lower roots and, during the fgrowing season, behaved as vigorously as ever. As long as you are keeping the soil in the pot (or is it in the ground?) in an ice-free condition you should see shoots again from the base of the plant. Hope this helps?

9 Jan, 2012

 

I would just leave them too,Steragram..they should grow again from the base,but maybe a bit later, if we have late frosts and wintery weather in April,as it has been suggested we may have.It is so mild,all mine I potted up,and brought into the Conservatory,are still growing ,with new buds ..so they are going back out today,on the patio table,for some fresh air,and will bring them in at night ..no frost predicted all week here..

9 Jan, 2012

 

Even if you don't prune it at all, and it gets cut down in a bad winter next year, it will regrow from the base, regardless of thick woody stems above. Don't cut now though, leave it till when you'd normally do it in April, decide then whether to cut or not.

9 Jan, 2012

 

Thank you everyone. This is what I was hoping to hear.
The ones in pots in conservatory are being kept pretty dry to give them a rest, but even so they have flowers on. What a strange season. It was those in the ground I was wondering about. Lena in particular is convinced its Spring already. Only Beacon is being more cautious!

9 Jan, 2012

 

Correction, not that it matters - Beacon is budding, its Alice Hoffman that's always later.

10 Jan, 2012

 

I had a quick look downstairs yesterday - the Erysimum Bowles Mauve is still in flower, and twice the size it was 6 months ago, looking very lively and bushy, with lots of new buds waiting to open. I'm slightly concerned as to what will happen when it gets cold later in the week though...

10 Jan, 2012

How do I say thanks?

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