Generally speaking, fuchsias and frost are not a good match. If you want to keep your beautiful blooms coming back year after year, you’ll need a game plan for when the temperatures drop. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your fuchsias from the winter chill.
Understanding the Different Types of Fuchsias
When it comes to surviving the cold, fuchsias fall into two main categories:
- Hardy fuchsias
- Non-hardy (tender) fuchsias
Knowing which one you have is the first step in deciding how to prep them for winter.
Most Fuchsias Aren’t Fans of the Cold
It’s important to remember that the vast majority of fuchsia varieties are not winter-hardy. This means they simply won’t survive outdoors if they’re left to face freezing temperatures. To keep these beauties alive, you’ll need to move them to a frost-free spot until spring.
A Note on “Hardy” Fuchsias
While there are varieties labeled as “hardy,” keep in mind that “hardy” is a relative term. They can handle some freezing weather, but even they have their limits. Harsh American winters can be tough on them, so even the tough guys usually need a little extra help to make it through to next season.
How to Overwinter Your Fuchsias
The way you handle winter storage depends entirely on the type of fuchsia you’re growing. Hardy fuchsias can stay in their outdoor garden beds, but you shouldn’t just leave them exposed. Give them a cozy “blanket” by covering the base with leaves, soil, or straw. Some gardeners even flip a wooden crate over the plant for an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Non-hardy fuchsias, on the other hand, need to come inside. Find a frost-proof spot that is dry—a dark basement, a garage, or even a bright greenhouse works great. The goal is to keep them dormant and safe. A good rule of thumb is to bring them in as late as possible in the fall and get them back outside as early as possible in the spring, once the threat of a hard freeze has passed.
Watch Out for Late Spring Frosts
Be extra careful when spring rolls around! It’s tempting to move your plants back outside in early to mid-April, but those sneaky late-night frosts can do a lot of damage to new growth. If the forecast predicts a dip in temperature at night, play it safe and bring your pots back indoors until the sun comes up.
A Pro Tip for Hardy Varieties
Here’s a cool trick for protecting hardy fuchsias: use a spray bottle! If a light frost is expected, you can mist the plant with a fine spray of water. This creates a thin layer of ice that actually acts as an insulator, shielding the plant’s tissues from the harsher freezing air. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works!
